Darlington Raceway Blood Drive Collects 218 Units of Blood on September 11
September 12, 2012
DARLINGTON, SC – September 12, 2012 – Due to the gracious generosityof its fans and community members, the Darlington Raceway Blood Drivecollected 218 units of blood during its annual event on 9-11. It was thelargest single-day collection for the event in its seven-yearhistory. The blood drive, which is the largest in the Pee Dee Region ofSouth Carolina, surpassed last year’s total by 72 units (146 units werecollected in 2011), giving the American Red Cross a much-needed boost indonations during a time when the supply level is the lowest it has beenin nearly 15 years.
“We can’t say thank you enough for all the generosity of our fans andcommunity members for donating blood and making this event a success,”Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning said. “It truly wasremarkable to see all the support from people willing to donate at ourevent.”
Donors from all walks of life with stories of courage and perseveranceattended the event, many giving blood for the first time. One of thefirst-timers that attended was Frank Jaks, Darlington resident and plantmanager of the local Southern Nut Company.
Jaks had never donated at a blood drive event, but theopportunity to drive his personal vehicle around the track in exchangefor a unit of blood was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“This is the first time I’ve donated blood. I wanted to do my part tohelp somebody,” Jaks said. “I’ve attended every Cup race at Darlingtonsince 1975 and it will be my first opportunity to drive on the trackwith my big Ford F-350. Giving blood was a great experience and it wasnice to honor the tragedies of 9-11 in this way.”
Since 2005, Darlington Raceway has now assisted the American Red Crossin collecting 1,288 units of blood potentially saving the lives of 3,864people (each unit potentially can be transfused to up to three people).
With the support and success of this year’s blood drive, many walk-updonors at the end of the day were not able to donate due to timing, butrace track and Red Cross officials are already making plans toaccommodate all supporters who attend with possible extended hours andthe addition of more beds and staff.
Pictured: A community member donates blood at the 2012 DarlingtonRaceway Blood Drive on September 11. Credit: Darlington Raceway
The Darlington Raceway Blood Drive is scheduled for September 11, 2013.The American Red Cross will be in future contact with donors aboutsigning up for an appointment for next year’s event.
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