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TEAM MEMBERS AT SARATOGA CASINO AND RACEWAY DONATE BLOOD REGULARLY: ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE RETURNS

1/9/2013 3:17:14 PM

"Our personal goal for this blood drive is to collect 120 units of blood, which will help to save up to 360 lives,” said Jamie Hartman, Executive Vice President and COO of Saratoga Casino and Raceway and one of the company’s many regular blood donors. “We look forward to hosting this blood drive every year because we understand the value and importance of blood donation.”

The spotlight for the 2013 blood drive campaign shines on some of the many returning donors on Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s team, providing the reasons why they believe it is such an important cause and encouraging others to sign up as well. Many casino employees sign up for the blood drive year after year, supporting the annual event. The casino demonstrates how valuable blood donation is by allowing team members to donate during their shifts.

Bill McQuiston (pictured), an employee of the casino for nearly 40 years, and a consistent donor, is aware of the extreme value of his blood type. “My blood type is O-, which is a pretty rare blood group known as universal donors, meaning my blood can be used by any blood type.” Because of this, he has been donating since 1972.

Other team members have cited personal need for blood transfusions, family members who have needed blood, having worked for medical rescue teams, and a variety of other reasons as to why they donate regularly. The underlying explanation is consistent: it saves lives.




As an additional perk for donation, Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross have come together to present “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign for the sixth year in a row. Donors will receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee* at Red Cross blood drives in New York during the month of January, including the one held at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

This blood drive is open to the public and will be held inside Vapor Night Club. Walk-ins are always welcome, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.

*Offer valid only at American Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of New York. Offer not valid in Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Sullivan counties or in the state of Pennsylvania. Coupons are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.  


About Saratoga Casino & Raceway
Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor Night Club, two full-service restaurants with buffets, three full-service bars, food court, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., seven days a week. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogagaming.com or call (800) 727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play Video Gaming Machines or wager on horses.  Please play responsibly.  

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients.  Eligible volunteer blood donors are asked to please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make appointments.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission New York State), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

 

Media Contact:
Maureen Malone Wellman
585-760-5652 (office)
585-415-6570 (mobile)

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