PRESS RELEASE:
1985 World Series Champions to make appearances at Community Blood Center donation centers, encouraging donors and fans to give the gift of life this summer
June 30, 2015, Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Royals and Community Blood Center (CBC) are teaming up for their annual Royals Week Blood Drive, July 6th through July 12th. All presenting donors during this period will receive a pair of tickets for a Royals home game at Kauffman Stadium. Two big events are planned: a tailgate party cookout and appearances by 1985 World Series champions, Bret Saberhagen and Greg Pryor, and team mascot, Sluggerrr.
On Tuesday, July 7th, 1985 World Series Infielder Greg Pryor will greet donors at the 10568 Metcalf Ave.; Overland Park, KS location from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday July 8th, there will be a Tailgate Party cookout at the 4040 Main Street; Kansas City, MO location from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At the party, Sluggerrr will cheer on donors from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Then, 1985 World Series MVP and Royals Hall of Fame Pitcher Bret Saberhagen will meet with donors from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. before donating blood himself.
The Royals and CBC have partnered for this weeklong blood drive for more than 20 years. The annual drive began as a way to boost the community’s blood supply during the critical summer months. Last year, more than 4,000 donors came out in support of the drive, and CBC collected more than 3,300 units of blood and more than 240 platelet products.
“We typically see a dip in blood donations during the summer, especially around a major holiday like July 4th,” said David Graham, Executive Director for Community Blood Center. “The Royals have been a great partner, and Royals Week has always been a big success with fans and a great way to remind people to donate.”
Donors may visit a convenient blood drive or any of the following CBC donor centers:
Kansas City, MO – 4040 Main Street
Overland Park, KS – 10568 Metcalf Ave., Time Square Shopping Center
Gladstone, MO – 7265 N. Oak Trafficway
Blue Springs, MO – 1124 SW US Highway 40
Topeka, KS – 6220 SW 29th Street
St. Joseph, MO – 3122 Frederick Avenue
For more information about Royals Week or a community drive, please call 877.468.6844 or visit us online at www.savealifenow.org.
In order to donate you must be at least 16 years of age (parental consent required for 16 year olds), weigh a minimum of 115 pounds and be in generally good health. In just 60 minutes, you can donate one pint of blood and Save a Life. Right Here, Right Now in your own community.
About Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City (CBC)
Community Blood Center serves hospitals in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as eastern Kansas and western Missouri. CBC provides nearly 200,000 blood products per year to 70 area hospitals – and relies volunteer donors each day to meet the need for life-saving gifts of blood. CBC operates 365/24/7 to deliver safe, high-quality products to meet transfusion needs for routine care and emergencies.
Website: www.savealifenow.org
