CENTRAL VALLEY – Saturday, January 19th at the Clovis Rodeo Association’s Cowgirl U, the Central California Blood Center (CCBC) shared with amazed luncheon attendees a recent $1,000,000 gift from the Isnardi Foundation.  “The Blood Center was chosen after learning of the critical need for a new facility and CCBC’s excellent record of contributing to the health needs of the Central Valley,” said Mr. Vincent Isnardi, foundation president. 

The generous gift, the largest ever received by the Central California Blood Center, will be used towards the construction of a new blood center, administration and state of the art testing laboratory.  The building is scheduled to be built in the near future.  It is part of the planned expansion and will offer new automation that will enhance blood safety and testing, donor convenience and efficiency. 

“The Blood Center is humbled and honored by a gift of such magnitude,” states Dean Eller, President and CEO of the Central California Blood Center.  “When Mr. Isnardi donated funding for a new bloodmobile a few years ago, we were so grateful and have used it daily serving many parts of our Central Valley region.”  Continues Eller, “With this exceptional, charitable donation it is clear Mr. Isnardi and the Isnardi Foundation are committed to serving and saving lives throughout the entire Central Valley.”

Cowgirl U, along with kicking off Rodeo season with early bird ticket sales, was also a fundraiser for the Blood Center in the effort to raise money for much needed bloodmobiles.   Attendees, dressed in western finery, had the opportunity to meet special guests from the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association (PRCA), learn all about rodeo from the Clovis Rodeo Association Board, and sample the cowgirl lifestyle.  The Central California Blood Center is extremely thankful for the community’s help in this effort, especially the sponsors of this special fundraising event.

“This was a very special day for the Blood Center,” states Mr. Eller.  “We appreciate the many wonderful cowgirls and the generous Clovis Rodeo Association who helped raise funds for a new bloodmobile while we also celebrate an additional generous gift for our new building. CCBC is very fortunate.”

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.