Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

For decades, the Magic Castle has been a vibrant part of Los Angeles and Hollywood, delighting audiences and preserving the art of magic. Several times each year, the iconic institution transforms that spirit of wonder into something equally powerful: helping save lives by hosting American Red Cross blood drives.

The partnership between the Red Cross and the Magic Castle combines lifesaving blood donations with memorable experiences for donors. During each drive, volunteer magicians affiliated with the Academy of Magical Arts perform before and after appointments, helping create an atmosphere unlike a traditional blood drive. The events have become so popular that appointments routinely fill months in advance, drawing both first-time and returning donors who look forward to giving blood in one of Los Angeles' most unique venues.

At the center of the effort is magician and Magic Castle member Paul Green, whose commitment to the blood drives stems from personal experience. A survivor of hairy cell leukemia, Green received numerous blood transfusions during treatment and credits blood donors with helping save his life.

"I'm alive today because of blood transfusions," Green said. "I received so many transfusions, so many units of blood. I'm alive because people donated."

Wanting to give back, Green made a promise to himself that he would support every Magic Castle blood drive he could. Over the years, he has helped recruit dozens of volunteer magicians to entertain donors throughout the day, creating an experience that reflects both the Castle's mission and his gratitude for the strangers whose donations gave him a second chance.

Alongside Green and Roman is Richard Costaninou, whose involvement with the drives began more than 13 years ago after he saw a notice about a blood drive and decided to donate. He later contributed financially for every unit collected before volunteering to help Green with the events. What started as a simple act of service evolved into a long-term commitment and a labor of love.

Costaninou's dedication to the blood drives deepened through his own experience with cancer. In 2024, he was diagnosed with benign bi-phenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. Following surgery, radiation treatments and ongoing care, he remains cancer-free. He said his journey, combined with Green's battle with cancer, reinforces his commitment to partnering with the Magic Castle and the American Red Cross to host the blood drives.

Today, Costantinou is one of the familiar faces donors expect to see. Whether he's greeting guests, entertaining them or simply checking in with donors, he focuses on making sure people feel appreciated and comfortable.

"I like to thank donors for being there," Costantinou said. "I like to create a personal relationship, so people don't feel it's a business. If they have questions, I give them answers. I allow them to be at ease and feel good about what they're doing."

"My volunteering and being a part of this blood drive with Paul continues to be a labor of love," he added.

Over the years, that personal approach has helped foster a strong sense of community around the drives. Many donors return regularly and bring family members, friends and co-workers with them, making each blood drive feel as much like a reunion as a volunteer event.

For Costaninou, those relationships are what make the drives special.

"Each drive has its own story," he said. "It's all beautiful."

That sense of connection is part of what distinguishes the Magic Castle blood drives from other donation opportunities. Some donors enjoy watching a magic trick while they wait. Others simply want someone to talk to. Occasionally, donors even perform tricks of their own. The combination of entertainment, hospitality and a shared commitment to helping others creates an environment where people want to return.

"We have a lot of people who come to the Castle to donate blood because they feel comfortable there," Green said. "For a few minutes, put people at ease and have them have a great experience in a historic building."

For Green, the blood drives serve as a reminder of how generosity connects people who may never meet. Every donor who rolls up a sleeve is helping someone facing a medical crisis, just as anonymous donors once helped him.

"Donating blood is the most personal donation someone can give," Green said. "You don't really know where it's going. Every unit of blood gives the opportunity for up to three people to have more time."

Together, Roman, Green and Costaninou have helped build one of the Red Cross' most distinctive community partnerships, blending entertainment, service and genuine human connection. As long as patients need blood, the trio plans to keep the Magic Castle's tradition of giving alive.

"We're so very fortunate the Magic Castle makes space for the blood drive and allows the Academy of Magical Arts to be a contributing member of the community," Green said. "Everyone who comes in leaves as a friend."

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.