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The Spirit of America 500 Blood Drive Honors Victims of Sept. 11
NASCAR supports the American Red Cross with a series of special blood drives across the country commemorating Patriot Day
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Tuesday, October 03, 2006 — The Spirit of America 500 blood drive is a truly special event. Held annually on Sept. 11, the drive recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with unprecedented success. The event not only honors the victims and heroes of 9/11, but also celebrates the selfless, compassionate spirit of blood donors everywhere.
After making a blood donation, participants had the opportunity to purchase a ride-along in a NASCAR-style stock car. For each ride, the Richard Petty Driving Experience made a donation to the American Red Cross. |
Each year the Spirit of America 500 is made possible by the American Red Cross, Michigan International Speedway, volunteer blood donors and a host of sponsors including AAA, Pepsi and the NASCAR Foundation. Held on the grounds of the Speedway, the blood drive is more than just a blood drive, it’s an experience.
Participants must make appointments in advance to donate. With many donors eager to contribute, this year’s drive was booked two full weeks prior to the event. Several of those in attendance were regular donors who have participated in every Spirit of America 500 since its inception in 2002.
Upon arrival at Michigan International Speedway, American flags lined the track leading potential blood donors to Hero’s Hall where Red Cross staff and volunteers were waiting to assist with the donation process. This year, while at Hero’s Hall, donors also had the opportunity to be added to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. With just a quick cheek swab, donors could opt to join the registry. Usually there is a fee associated with registration; however, due to the overwhelming number of sponsor contributions, more than 100 participants were able to join the registry free of charge.
After making a blood donation, participants were treated to refreshments and given their Patriot Pass, a commemorative event credential with Indy Racing League lanyard and holder. Donors also received a complimentary disposable camera, courtesy of Kodak, to capture the rest of the busy day’s events.
After a short tram ride, donors arrived at Patriot Plaza located in the lobby of the Michigan International Speedway Champions Club. Presented by AAA, the Champions Club was a dining and hospitality area that sits high above the start/finish line, offering incredible views of the track. While in the club, donors enjoyed a complimentary catered meal and were presented with their Spirit of America hat, pin, shirt and other mementoes.
While at Patriot Plaza, participants were also able to tour Pit Road and the garage area of the racetrack for various activities. The #6 AAA Motorsports racing simulator allowed donors to test their own racing skills in a video game simulation of a NASCAR race. Scores were recorded throughout the day and a winner was crowned at the event’s conclusion. There was also an opportunity to take a ride in a NASCAR-style stock car. Participants could purchase a Richard Petty Driving Experience Ride-Along where they rode shotgun in a two-seat stockcar driven by a professional instructor. For each Ride-Along purchase, the Richard Petty Driving Experience made a donation of $20 to the American Red Cross.
At the end of their journey through Michigan International Speedway, donors visited Unity Field, a Patriot Day Memorial. Positioned on ten acres of the Speedway, Unity Field features more than 3,000 American flags, one for each person who died as a result of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, along with a memorial wall on which their names are inscribed.
[ Story Continues Below Photograph ]
Before leaving the grounds, donors visited Unity Field – a Patriot Day Memorial. This dramatic, ten-acre tribute featured more than 3,000 American flags, one for each life lost as a result of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (Photo Credit: Jamie Bates/American Red Cross) |
“With this great event comes great emotion,” said Jamie Bates, Donor Recruitment Representative for the Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Region who also organized the event. “It is nice to know that we can make a difference by donating blood as well as honoring the fallen heroes of Sept. 11.”
This is not the first blood drive the Red Cross has held with the support of NASCAR. In fact, seven other blood drives were held with NASCAR in Red Cross collection areas this year, six of which were held on Sept. 11. The drives had extraordinary success, collecting nearly 1,500 blood donations in all. Thanks to the generous support of NASCAR, drives were held at Talladega Super Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Martinsville Speedway, Pocono Raceway Longpond, Darlington Raceway and Lowe’s Speedway.
The need for blood is never-ending, as is the search for willing, eligible donors. By volunteering to donate blood, you’re giving the gift of life—a selfless act that could help save a life. And, a single donation can be used to help up to three people.
To find out more about the donation process and to find local blood donation opportunities, visit www.givelife.org.
The American Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply (collecting more than 6 million units a year from volunteer donors) to patients in 3,000 hospitals across the country through its national network. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Red Cross must collect blood donations each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and children with blood disorders, and the organization works to accomplish this through its 36 Blood Services regions. Please call today to make your appointment to give the gift of life. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule your donation or to sponsor a blood drive.
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