Motorsports Venues - Spirit Of America Lives At Michigan International Speedway

BROOKLYN, July 15, 2011: The American Red Cross and Michigan International Speedway will once again partner for the 10th annual Spirit of America Blood Drive on Sunday, September 11 at the speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.

The blood drive is open to the public; appointments are needed to donate. To best accommodate your schedule, it is recommended to make an appointment as soon as possible. The drive runs from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11 at MIS.

Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-YOU-GAVE (1-800-968-4283) or visiting www.SpiritOfAmericaBloodDrive.com

“We are so proud that this event, dedicated to the victims and survivors of the 2001 terrorist attacks, continues to grow,” said Sharon Jaksa, CEO of the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Last year was our largest year ever and we wouldn’t be able to put this event on without the tremendous support from Michigan International Speedway, our volunteers, blood donors and the community.”

Since its inception in 2002, the Spirit of America Blood Drive has grown into one of the largest 9-11 blood drives in the nation with more than 1,300 pints of blood collected just last year. In the past nine years, more than 7,546 pints of blood have been collected at the Spirit of America Drive, positively affecting more than 22,638 lives.

This year, all presenting donors receive a Spirit of America gift bag, Culver’s lunch in the Champions Club presented by CP Federal Credit Union, and a track tour, which features Unity Field and the new Pit Road Suites and Media Center, including a 9-11 multi-media exhibit.

During the tour, donors get an up-close view of more than 3,000 American flags proudly displayed to honor the victims of 9-11. The flags, each representing victims of the 9-11 attacks, are placed in the speedway’s Lot 10 by veterans from local American Legion chapters.

“We are honored to host the Spirit of America Drive every year because it is so much more than a blood drive,” said Michigan International Speedway Director of Guest Services and Spirit of America founder Tim Booth. “This is an opportunity for individuals to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes and be a hero themselves.”