“Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive

Fairgoers Give Local and Save Big, While Helping Save a Life!

 In August, The Big Fresno Fair partnered with the Central California Blood Center to hold the first-ever “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive. Fairgoers had the opportunity to not only give local, but to save BIG on admission for the 2010 Big Fresno Fair! Every person who donated a pint of blood at any Central California Blood Center or mobile drive from August 25^th to September 8^th received a “buy one, get one free” voucher for admission to the 2010 Big Fresno Fair, plus a special commemorative t-shirt. The goal of the campaign was to encourage, both new and returning donors, to give one of the most valuable gifts…blood!

The summer months can be a challenging time to keep the Valley’s blood supply at needed levels, so the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive was aimed to help increase those blood supplies, especially around the Labor Day holiday. That goal was accomplished. More than 7,000 pints of blood were donated as part of the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive.

“The need for blood is great and the need is now,” said John Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “With the ‘Pint for a Pass’ Blood Drive, we wanted to get people out to donate blood, not only for this drive but to continue to donate. Every donation makes a difference and helps to save a life; someday it might help save you or someone you know.”

The new partnership between The Big Fresno Fair and Central California Blood Center was established as another initiative of the Fair’s “Give Local” campaign, which was first established in 2009 with the Drought Relief Community Food Drive that raised more than 28.6 tons of food for Central Valley residents in need.

"We are very grateful The Big Fresno Fair partnered with us and offered this one-of-a-kind promotion as a way to thank our blood donors during this challenging time for blood collection due to the long, and often  busy, summer vacation,” states Dean Eller, President and CEO for the Central California Blood Center.  “The turnout was great and we hope that many of the new donors that came out with continue to give blood. Donating blood is a rewarding experience because you walk away knowing you helped save up to three people’s lives.”

Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete. Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 years old with written parental consent). Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit. Donors should eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within 4 hours prior to their donation. Donors can give blood every eight weeks. Photo ID and Social Security Number are required at donor registration.

The Central California Blood Center is the sole provider of blood and blood products for the 31 hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.