SUMMER IS HOT TIME TO FOCUS ON SAVING LIVES

SUMMER IS HOT TIME TO FOCUS ON SAVING LIVES

CBC ROLLS OUT RACE RED FORD FOCUS GIVEAWAY CAMPAIGN

DAYTON, Ohio – Don’t let the lazy, hazy days of summer distract you from your good intentions of giving blood and saving lives. Focus your attention on donating with Community Blood Center (CBC) this summer and you could be driving a bright new “race red” Ford Focus sedan by fall.

CBC, along with sponsors REACH Magazine and Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln, is again launching a summer giveaway campaign that will make one lucky donor the proud owner of a brand new set of wheels. It’s called “iFocus on Saving Lives.” Simply register to donate at any CBC branch or mobile blood drive between Tuesday, May 29 and Saturday, Sept. 2 and if you are age 18 or older you will be automatically registered into the drawing for a 2012 Ford Focus. Official rules are available at www.givingblood.com beginning May 29.

The Ford Focus giveaway follows in the tire tracks of last summer’s wildly popular drawing for a new Jeep Patriot. The Focus promises to be popular among donors as well. TheCarConnection named the 2012 Focus the “Best Car to Buy” for its combination of style and efficiency. That makes the Focus the “Best Car to Give Away” to generate enthusiasm and help CBC roll through the challenging summer months.
Why is summer so challenging? Summer break puts high school blood drives on hold until classes resume. Family vacations and outdoor excursions leave less time for donating, and vacation schedules at work can mean fewer donors at corporate and business blood drives.

“Our donors keep telling us they love our summer car giveaway campaign,” said CBC Donor Relations Director Andrew Keelor. “We value the commitment they make to donating during the busy summer months, and the Focus is a great way to say thank you. This car is a great combination of style and value, plus it’s the perfect color – race red!”

The “iFocus on Saving Lives” Ford Focus giveaway campaign kicks off in two big ways. First is the “iFocus, iChange Local Lives, the Power is in Your Hands” t-shirt, free to anyone who registers to donate Tuesday, May 29 through Saturday, June 23 at any CBC branch or mobile blood drive. The red, white and blue flag design on a white t-shirt is perfect for the Memorial Day week launch of the campaign.

Also, the official kick-off celebration for the campaign takes place Wednesday, May 30 at Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln in Greenville, OH. Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln is partnering with CBC in the “iFocus on Saving Lives” campaign. The prize Ford Focus will be on display as the dealership hosts a mobile blood drive and a celebration party.

The celebration will include free hot dogs, baked beans, chips, popcorn and cake, special gift bags for donors (including the iFocus t-shirt) and door prizes. The mobile blood drive is Wednesday, May 30 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln is located at 500 Wagner Ave. in Greenville, OH.

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Technology is making it faster and more convenient than ever to schedule your next blood donation. Just use your computer or smart phone to make an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com. You can also schedule your next appointment using your mobile device to scan the DonorTime QR code.

Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 16 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Community Blood Center provides blood products to 24 hospitals within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys. For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services®, visit www.givingblood.org.