1,179 units of blood collected at Spirit of America Blood Drive

BROOKLYN, Mich. Sept. 12, 2008 – With the generosity and support of more than 1,000 donors, the Spirit of America Blood Drive at Michigan International Speedway will again save thousands of lives after collecting a record 1,179 units of blood during the 12-hour event on September 11.

The 1,179 units can potentially save 3,537 lives. (Each unit can be transfused to up to three people.)

The 2008 event not only bettered last year’s mark of 962 units, but continued to make the Spirit of America Blood Drive one of the nation’s largest single-day drives on 9-11.

Combined with the previous six such blood drives at Michigan International Speedway, the Spirit of America effort has collected a grand total of 4,919 units of blood, potentially benefiting 14,757 people since its inception in 2002.

“This is wonderful news. I can’t say enough about the countless efforts of donors, volunteers, sponsors, American Red Cross and MIS employees and the many others who helped make this event a success,” MIS Director of Guest Services and Spirit of America founder Tim Booth said. “A special thanks goes out to the blood donors. This drive wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for their generosity.”

The Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross will benefit from the 1,179 units of blood donated during the Spirit of America Blood Drive.

“Each year, it is truly remarkable to witness the outpouring of support and giving that has made the Spirit of America Blood Drive blossom,” CEO of the American Red Cross Great Lakes Region Blood Services Sharon Jaksa said. “A drive of this magnitude happens not only because of the dedicated efforts of the staff and volunteers from Michigan International Speedway and the Red Cross, but also because of the commitment made by the hundreds of donors that take the time to give the gift of life.”