The end of summer can only mean one thing (besides groaning children heading back to school) - that it's also the end of the 8th Annual Summer Blood Challenge by the Blood Bank of Delmarva!Carrie Baker at the BBD had asked me to speak at the event some time back and I was so excited and didn't want to miss the opportunity. Little did I know that it would be the 2nd event in a 5 day trek that took more than 2,000 miles. Thank goodness I had a riding partner in my mom and a selection of music/books on cd to pass the time. I digress....
When asked to share my story, I am always elated to help educate on the need - except this group of attendees was well aware of the need as they had been working for months to donate and win the challenge. There was a very involved points system that accounted for donations, new blood donor members, company size and more.
I was rather impressed with the companies on the participation list - the largest of which was Amazon.com - but the companies in general ranged from micro-sized (under 100) and city/county/stage government sectors. There was wide spread enthusiasm by all participants and employers were rewarding their employees as encouragement. Some were given credits for days off others offered monetary incentives. Whether motivated by tangible reward or the gift of the heart, there were thousands of lives saved through this year's challenge.
I had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with Robert Travis, President/CEO of BBD, Richard Pearce, Chair of the Executive Board and Diane Sparks, Immediate Past Chair along with many others. It was a humbling experience to me to share dinner and conversation with those so directly involved in the efforts to save lives.
As the Summer Blood Challenge increases with each year, I am positive that 2011 will bring in more donations, more members, and more lives saved - all because someone gave an hour of their time.
Photos: Top - pictured w/Carrie Baker; Bottom: pictured with Dick Pearce (L) and Bob Travis (R)
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