Greg Biffle Welcomes Red Cross Blood Donor to No. 16 Pit Crew

Blood donor Maureen Holt signed the hood of the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion and will attend Darlington as a 'member' of the No. 16 pit crew

News provided by

American Red Cross

Apr 10, 2014, 01:30 ET

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The No. 16 American Red Cross Ford Fusion has swapped its typical Red Cross-branded hood for a larger-than-life signature and added one member to the No. 16 3M Pit Bulls for the April 12 race. While the newest crew member may not be able to change a tire or manage a jack, she may have helped save almost 100 lives with her 30 blood donations.

A month-long Red Cross campaign concludes this Saturday at Darlington Raceway with one lucky blood donor, Maureen Holt from Surprise, Ariz., adding her name to the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion hood. The #ImProud2Give campaign asked blood donors to select an online donation appointment at redcrossblood.org for a chance to join the Red Cross at the historic Darlington Raceway.

"I started giving blood because I wanted to earn the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion die-cast for blood donors - I'm a longtime Roush fan," said Holt. "I've kept giving blood because it's a pretty amazing feeling to know that I've impacted people's lives with just one hour of my time."

Driver of the No. 16 Red Cross Ford Fusion Greg Biffle supported this campaign and the Red Cross efforts to increase awareness around donating blood because he's seen firsthand the lifesaving results of donating blood. The Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply.

"As a blood donor, I can help save a life – I've met people across the country who are with us today because of a blood donation." said Biffle. "The gift of a blood donation cannot be replaced by anything else in the world, and it means a world of difference to those in need. We're excited to welcome Maureen to the team - she'll meet a lot of fellow blood donors among the No. 16 Pit Bulls."

Eligible whole blood donors can give blood once every 56 days at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers throughout the country. Appointments can be made online at redcrossblood.org.

"We're so thankful for the support of Greg Biffle, 3M and Roush Fenway Racing as we enter the seventh year of a partnership that has led to tens of thousands of blood donations," said Darren Irby, executive director, marketing, American Red Cross. "Finding a blood donation appointment online takes seconds, but can add years to someone's life."

Thanks to a generous donation from 3M and support by Greg Biffle, the No. 16 Ford Fusion featured a Red Cross paint scheme during the March 9 race in Las Vegas, NV, and this Saturday's April 12 race in Darlington, South Carolina.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally 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.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Contact: Amanda Mark
Telephone: (612) 360-2936
[email protected]

SOURCE American Red Cross