GREENWICH, CONN. — The American Red Cross sent out a call for help amidst a national blood crisis, and Greenwich residents responded in force during the third annual Battle of the Clubs. As the last red band wrapped around a donor’s arm inside Greenwich Town Hall, Riverside Yacht Club once again found itself atop the scoreboard for the third consecutive year — although everyone is a winner when the contest is about who can donate the most life-saving blood to people in need.

The ongoing blood crisis marks only the second such declaration in Red Cross history, with blood donations falling to a four-year summer low. Summer months typically see a lower donor turnout, however extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to the already troubling trend of donations not keeping pace with hospital demand.

As the call for help spread across the greater Greenwich community, nearly 70 donors turned out from more than a dozen different clubs to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life. After Riverside Yacht Club won the inaugural Battle of the Clubs in 2024, the 2025 competition ended in an astonishing four-way tie amongst The Milbrook Club, Riverside Yacht Club, the Belle Haven Club and Burning Tree Country Club. This year, Riverside Yacht Club found themselves on top once again — edging out the Belle Haven Club and four other clubs who generated at least five blood donations each. Joining the upper echelon of club performances in 2026 were The Milbrook Club, Burning Tree Country Club, Innis Arden Golf Club and Greenwich Water Club.

Notably, the Battle of the Clubs made impressive inroads into a stubborn population segment — those who have never donated blood before. Although about 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, only about 3% donates. However, the 2026 Battle of the Clubs brought in 20 people who were first-time blood donors.

Faces of the nearly 70 blood donors who joined the 2026 Battle of the Clubs at Greenwich Town Hall on July 30, including 20 first-time blood donors.

(Photos by Frederic Klein / American Red Cross)

“This is an all hands on deck crisis right now,” said Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Chapter CEO for the American Red Cross in Metro New York North. “It was incredible to see so many people show up to help. It was just an hour of their day, but that hour can help save more than one life for someone battling cancer or dealing with a difficult pregnancy or fighting to survive a traumatic injury. Donating blood can seem scary if you’ve never done it before, but the overwhelming response from first-time donors was that it is easy and feels great.”

A recent Red Cross survey revealed several misconceptions that many people may have about the blood supply. Less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life of just 42 days and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors. Someone in the United States receives a blood transfusion every two seconds, but only about half of respondents believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day.

“I will never not be amazed by the generous spirit of Greenwich residents, and people all over the country who choose to make a blood donation,” said Dunn Ashley. “Life can be chaotic and hectic and fun, but I encourage folks to continue to find time in their busy schedules to give the gift of life. It just takes about an hour from the time you walk in the door until you finish your snacks, and that hour of your time means that somebody somewhere gets to spend more time with their loved ones enjoying all that this world has to offer.”

Residents of Greenwich and the surrounding area can schedule an appointment six days a week, including evening and weekend hours, at the Jill and John Coyle Blood Donor Center (99 Indian Field Road in Cos Cob).

Appointments are available now at RedCrossBlood.org.