LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky charities are putting out their arms, not their hands, in hopes of earning money for their causes. Sixty-four charities are competing for $10,000 in prize money by recruiting blood donors during the inaugural S&S Tire Blood Donor Charity Challenge June 1-30.
S&S Tire will award a total of $10,000 in cash ($6,500, $2,500 and $1,000) to the top three charities that recruit the most blood donors.
“I didn’t think about how much blood donors are needed until my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia more than six years ago, said Wayne Palmer, S&S Tire owner. “She needed blood during some of the most trying times during her treatment.”
The participating charities (see below), competition rules and donation locations can be found at kybloodcenter.org. The charities were required to register for the competition by May 19.
Donors are asked to mention the name of their favorite participating charity when they arrive to give blood. Donors who make and keep an appointment to donate will earn extra points for their favorite charity. Additional points are given if the donor is a first-time donor or for specialized donations.
Blood center officials are optimistic the unusual recruitment plan will have an impact.
“This is a one-of-a-kind program nationally and we are very grateful to S&S for providing the $10,000 to the charities,” said KBC spokesperson Jim Tinker. “We are hopeful that having an army of recruiters will benefit patients as well as these charities.”
Anyone in general good health, 17 years old or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may donate. All donors must show a photo I.D.
The Kentucky Blood Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for 67 Kentucky hospitals and clinics thanks to generous blood donors in more than 60 Kentucky counties.