News
January 14, 2016Saratoga Casino and Raceway to Welcome the American Red Cross for 9th Annual Blood Drive
Saratoga Casino and Raceway is once again kicking off the new year by giving back to the community with its 9th Annual Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. Members of the local community are urged to join dozens of Saratoga Casino and Raceway team members to give blood on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 12-6 p.m. inside Vapor at 342 Jefferson Street in Saratoga Springs.
To date, Saratoga Casino and Raceway has collected nearly 1,000 blood donations at their Annual Blood Drives. These collections have gone on to help approximately 2,511 patients in need.
All presenting donors at this year’s Blood Drive will receive a $5 DD Card*, as part of the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” Campaign with Dunkin’ Donuts. Additionally, all presenting donors will also receive a $10 voucher to Lucky Joe’s restaurant in the casino.
“This special blood drive is another example of the way Saratoga Casino and Raceway supports our community,” said Guy Triano, donor recruitment director of the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “They are committed to helping the Red Cross save lives and we are proud to work closely with them as a partner on this drive.”
“The response to our Blood Drives has been tremendous,” said Rita Cox, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “This has quickly become an annual tradition embraced by our team members and our local community. We’re proud to once again partner with the Red Cross to help them serve those who need it most.”
The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations to prevent a shortage this winter. Busy holiday schedules in November and December contributed to about 1,700 fewer blood drives held across the country compared to the two previous months, which has resulted in about 50,000 fewer donations and reduced the blood supply. Donation appointments can be quickly and easily scheduled by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767)
About Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor; a premier entertainment venue, two full-service restaurants with buffets, three full-service bars, food court, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 9 to 5:00 a.m., seven days a week. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800.727.2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play Video Gaming Machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED CROSS (1.800.733.2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossBloodNY.
*While supplies last. Offer valid at American Red Cross blood drives and donation centers in the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and parts of New York. Offer not valid in Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Sullivan counties or in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Gift cards must be activated by February 28, 2016. Gift cards are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
