Mets blood drive Saturday: give blood, get tickets

METS AND AMERICAN RED CROSS TEAM UP TO HELP SAVE LIVES THROUGH BLOOD DONATION WITH

SECOND ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 14 AT CITI FIELD

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., April 11, 2012 – The New York Mets and the American Red Cross today announced they are teaming up to host their second annual blood drive this Saturday, April 14  from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Caesars Club at Citi Field.  Donors may park for free in Lot D and enter the ballpark through the Seaver VIP entrance on the third base side.  Walk-ins are welcome, however all eligible donors are encouraged tosign up in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting redcrossblood.org.

 

“The Red Cross is based on neighbor helping neighbor, which is why we are so pleased to be partnering once again with New York Mets, asking people to donate blood to help ensure we have lifesaving blood for patients in need,”   said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications, Red Cross Northeast Division.  “We’re grateful to the Mets and their fans for supporting the Red Cross humanitarian mission to provide blood supplies, disaster services, aid to our military, life saving and emergency response,”  Morrissey added.

 

“We’re proud to partner again with the American Red Cross on such an important cause,” said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets.  “Last year’s drive was a success and we know Mets fans will once again support the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission to save lives.”

 

As a special thank you, all presenting donors will receive two complimentary tickets to the Monday, April 23 Mets-San Francisco Giants game. They will also be entered for the chance to win four tickets to a game (excluding the Subway Series) and watch batting practice from the field.  Other lucky presenting donors are eligible to win a host of exciting prizes, including two tickets to a Subway Series game at Citi Field and overnight stay hotel packages.

 

Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs blood. That’s why blood donations through the Red Cross are so important.  Blood is an essential component for patient care in area hospitals, and the only source of blood is a healthy, volunteer blood donor.  A donation may help save up to three lives and it only takes about an hour of time.

 

The Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. To donate blood and platelets through the Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.  The states of Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania allow those who are 16 years of age to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.