CHESTER, Pa. (July 1, 2010) - Philadelphia Union has teamed with the American Red Cross in an effort to help save lives.
The partnership is designed to raise awareness of the importance of donating blood. Each year, over four million people donate blood through the Red Cross, making it the country’s leading provider of lifesaving blood and blood products. Philadelphia Union are doing their part by hosting a blood drive on July 24, 2010 at the team’s brand new stadium, PPL Park.
“We’re happy to team with the American Red Cross in this important cause,” says Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit. “We know that the Union fans will come out in force to show how the most passionate fan base in MLS can help save lives by donating blood.”
To help generate awareness for the blood drive, the American Red Cross will be the title sponsor of the Philadelphia Union’s July 10, 2010 match verse San Jose Earthquakes, where all fans will receive a commemorative poster of the first game at PPL Park.
“We thank the Philadelphia Union for helping to save lives in the community and hope to turn many fans into life-saving blood donors,” said Brigid O'Neill-LaGier, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region. “The upcoming blood drive on July 24th is vitally important to build a supply of blood that will help safeguard against a summer blood shortage.”
Presenting donors at the Blood Drive will receive a commemorative, special edition Union/Red Cross scarf, a chance to take a photo with the ball used by Sebastien Le Toux to score the first goal in franchise history, tours of the Union’s new home and more.
Space will be limited and donors must register in advance by going to redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS to make their appointment.
ABOUT KEYSTONE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LCC
Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, is the Philadelphia Union ownership group. It is comprised of Chairman/Owner Jay Sugarman, CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz, Christopher and Robert Buccini and David Pollin, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group, Swarthmore Group’s Jim Nevels (Chairman) and Paula Mandle (CEO), and Philadelphia attorney William Doran. For more information about Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN RED CROSS
Blood drives are held seven days a week in communities across the region. To make an immediate appointment for an American Red Cross blood drive this week, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, to find a listing of community blood drives. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in PA and NJ), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
