|
Detroit "Knocks Out" Blood Shortage
Written by
,
Friday, June 04, 2004 — Sunday, May 30, 2004, started off with wild winds, a sunny sky, blood and bone marrow donors and the American Red Cross volunteers ready to Knock Out The Blood Shortage. The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region joined
by Kronk Boxing Association, boxing legend Emanuel Steward, Franklin Bank and WXYT 1270 AM celebrated the first annual Knock Out The Blood Shortage event at the Detroit Donor Center.
Boxing Hall of Fame member Emanuel Steward and Kronk Boxing Association were on site with live demonstrations and much more. The Kronk Boxing Association produces the world’s top performing boxing talent. Their roster includes Lennox Lewis, Thomas Hearns and Evander Holyfield. Knock Out The Blood Shortage was one of the Red Crosses’ biggest efforts to increase bone marrow registry and daily blood donations amongst African American community at the Detroit Donor Center.
A group of dedicated Red Cross volunteers and children from the Detroit community enjoy the festivities at the first annual "Knock Out the Blood Shortage event. |
There is a critical need for blood donors in the Detroit area and individuals in the community donating blood are needed to help knock out the shortage. African Americans in Southeast Michigan utilize approximately 57,000 pints of blood every year. Current donations from African Americans are about 13,000 pints, indicating that the need is real in the African-American community. Blood donations are necessary to help fight Sickle Cell Anemia and other childhood diseases in the community.
“My goal is to continue to educate African Americans on the importance of donating blood. I truly believe it takes each and every one of us to make a difference in the world. The Kronk Boxing Association wants you to become a hero in your community by donating blood”, says Emanuel Steward, Founder of Kronk Boxing Association.
Key sponsors that made the event a success included Franklin Bank, Kronk Boxing Association, Viacom, Dearborn Sausage Company and many others.
The crowd watched as boxers entered the ring and got a surprise visit from boxing legend Tommy Hearns. Participants enjoyed music, food, Tai Chi demonstrations and give-a-ways. Everyone who signed up to donate blood had a chance to win a pair of boxing gloves autographed by Lennox Lewis and Thomas Hearns.
|
