Red Cross Honors Its All-Star Blood Donors with Special Patriotic Paint Scheme at This Week's Race

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Driver Greg Biffle salutes Red Cross blood donors during the May 19 NASCAR® Sprint® All-Star Race.  The No. 16 Ford Fusion will sport a "Saluting Our All-Stars" patriotic paint scheme, highlighting the 33 blood donors who will be listed on the car, while honoring millions of others across the country.  

Red Cross blood donors provide about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply – helping the Red Cross ensure that lifesaving blood and blood products are available for anyone in need. Eligible whole blood donors can give blood once every 56 days at Red Cross blood drives and donor centers throughout the country.

Teddy Peetz, an All-Star donor, lives in Vancouver, Wash., Biffle's hometown, and is a longtime racing fan. He and his best friend Bill McGinnis each have given blood for 50 years. Now, at age 67, they meet every two weeks to donate platelets. In honor of their combined 900 Red Cross blood donations, the two are serving as honorary pit crew members for the No. 16 Ford Fusion on May 19.

"I give blood because it's important to stay involved in my community," said Peetz. "I started young and I've never broken the habit."

"And it gives us an excuse to meet every two weeks," added McGinnis. "I've met so many people who have benefited from blood donations, so you know that your donation is directly helping another person."

Biffle, a member of the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet, also is a regular blood donor.

 "I encourage everyone who is able to give blood to visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS and find a blood donation location," said Biffle. "This week, I gave blood alongside my No. 16 team. It was easy, convenient and satisfying. I feel great knowing that I may help save a life."

Joining Biffle at the Red Cross blood drive this week was All-Star blood donor Ken Temple, of Mooresville, NC. Temple has donated blood more than 700 times since 1957.

"I give because I can. People need help in so many ways" said Temple, a retired police officer who turned 73 this week. "As long as I can, I will be a Red Cross donor."

The American Red Cross is celebrating the fifth year of its Red Cross Racing partnership with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing. Thanks to the generous donation from 3M and support by Greg Biffle, the No. 16 Ford also will sport a Red Cross paint scheme during the June 30 race in Kentucky.

How to Donate Blood

All blood types are needed to ensure an adequate supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of positive identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

National Headquarters
2025 E. Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org

Contact: Amanda Mark
Telephone: (612) 232-7743
[email protected]

SOURCE American Red Cross