HELP SAVE A LIFE THIS SUMMER AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO THE BIG FRESNO FAIR DURING THE “PINT FOR A PASS” BLOOD DRIVE

 
All donors will receive a voucher for a “Buy one, Get one FREE” ticket to the
2010 Big Fresno Fair, which runs October 6 – 17 AND a free commemorative T-shirt when they give at a Central California Blood Center or a select mobile drive!

 “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive runs Wednesday, August 25 through Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at any of the following Central California Blood Center locations and times:

Jenny Eller Donor Cntr     Fresno Donor Cntr     North Fresno Donor Cntr     Visalia Donor Cntr          Porterville Donor Cntr
4343 W. Herndon Ave         3445 N. First St            8094 N. Cedar Ave                 1515 S. Mooney Blvd       93 N. Main St
M-Th 8a-6:30p,                    M-Th 8a-6:30p             M-Th 8a-6:30p,                       M-Th 8a-6:30p,                T-Th 11a-7p,
F 8a-6p, S 9a-3p                   F 8a-6p                          F 8a-6p, S 9a-3p                      F 8a-6p, S 9a-1p               S 9a-1p  

CENTRAL VALLEY, CA – The summer months can be a challenging time to keep the Valley’s blood supply at needed levels.  With that in mind – The Big Fresno Fair is encouraging new and returning donors to give the “gift of life” during the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive and in return they will receive a voucher good for a “Buy one, Get one FREE” ticket to the 2010 Fair, which runs October 6 -17!  This special offer, which is ONLY available to Central California Blood Center donors, will be given out at donor center locations in Fresno, Visalia and Porterville along with select mobile blood drive locations beginning on Wednesday, August 25 and continuing through Wednesday, September 8.  For a list of mobile drive locations, please visit www.donateblood.org. Plus, all donors will receive a commemorative Big Fresno Fair T-shirt.

“The need for blood is great and the need is now,” said John Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “We challenge our Central Valley communities to step up and come 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. So please, let’s work together to make a difference in our community.”

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. The Big Fresno Fair hopes this “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive will help to fill another need in our area – blood. 

“We are very grateful The Big Fresno Fair is partnering with us and offering 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 very  busy, summer,” states Dean Eller, President and CEO for the Central California Blood Center.  “Donating blood is a rewarding experience because you walk away knowing you helped save up to three people’s lives and, during this drive, you can also enjoy one of the best fairs in all of California in just a litte over a month.”

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.

About The Big Fresno Fair:

The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the State of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. More than 500,000 people from throughout the State visit The Big Fresno Fair each year making it the largest event in the Central Valley. Members of the Board of Directors include: Tim Bakman, President; Bill White, Vice President; Debbie Jacobsen, Secretary/Treasurer; Ron Barsamian; Ardie Der Manouel; Elizabeth Hudson; Vernon Jones; Larry Serpa and Wangyee Vang. John C. Alkire heads daily operations in his role as Chief Executive Officer. Additional information about The Big Fresno Fair can be found at www.FresnoFair.com.