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INDIANAPOLIS, IN (November 5, 2014) Indiana Blood Center and the Indianapolis Colts will host the 15th annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive and Health Fair, presented in part by ADVANTAGE Health Solutions at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a way to thank volunteer donors, anyone who participates in the blood drive will receive a limited-edition Colts football featuring wide receiver T.Y. Hilton.
Now in its 15th year, the annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive is intentionally scheduled in December each year, a time when blood supplies can become low due to the holidays and busy schedules. Over the past 15 years, this blood drive has become the largest single-day blood drive in Indiana. This year, Indiana Blood Center expects to schedule 2,400 donor appointments.
"Our partnership with the Indianapolis Colts has led to an outpouring of generosity from Colts fans near and far during a time where blood is especially needed," said Wendy Mehringer, VP of blood services and chief marketing officer of Indiana Blood Center. "We appreciate the Colts for their continued support of our lifesaving mission and for allowing our donors a unique experience at Lucas Oil Stadium."
The Bleed Blue Blood Drive draws people throughout Indiana who want to support Indiana Blood Center and the Colts. Within the past six years, over 11,000 people registered to donate at the Bleed Blue Blood Drives.
"The Colts organization is proud to support the Bleed Blue Blood Drive, an event which has become a tradition for many fans who give the gift of life to hospital patients," said Stephanie Pemberton, senior director of marketing of the Indianapolis Colts. "We urge Hoosiers to raise their sleeves and donate with us at the 15th annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive and throughout the year."
Appointments for the Bleed Blue Blood Drive on Dec. 13 are encouraged. In past years, all slots were filled in the weeks leading up to the event. To schedule a blood donation appointment, visit colts.com/bleedblue or call Indiana Blood Center at 800-632-4722.
The 2014 Bleed Blue Blood Drive and Health Fair will also include access to the field, a free health fair (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.), half-price concessions, autograph sessions with Colts players and alumni, Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, free parking and much more. The event is designed to be family-friendly with free activities for all ages. For a complete list of activities and more information, visit colts.com/bleedblue.
This year's event is supported in part by Indiana University Health and Walgreens.
*About Indiana Blood Center *
Indiana Blood Center was founded in 1952 and is a not-for-profit community resource organization dedicated to maintaining a stable blood supply for more than 60 hospitals throughout Indiana. In order to meet patients' blood needs, Indiana Blood Center must see 550 donors every day. This goal is met with the annual help of more than 89,000 volunteer donors and through the dedication of more than 375 Indiana Blood Center staff who live out the lifesaving mission of providing blood components to patients in Indiana hospitals. Indiana Blood Center is the largest independent blood provider in Indiana and among the top 20 nationally, performing some 130,000 procedures annually. Visit www.indianablood.org for more information or to schedule an appointment to donate blood.
About Indianapolis Colts
The franchise has won four World Championships. Since relocating to Indianapolis, the Colts have won 10 division titles, including five consecutive AFC South crowns from 2003-07. The Colts are the only NFL team to have 12 victories in seven consecutive seasons. The Colts won 115 regular-season games from 2000-09, the highest decade total in NFL history, and the team's 23 consecutive regular-season wins (2008-09) set another NFL record. The club won Super Bowl XLI following a 12-4 record in the 2006 regular season, and the Colts reached Super Bowl XLIV after winning the AFC title during the 2009 season.
The Indianapolis Colts take great pride in playing an active role in the community and are committed to corporate citizenship throughout Indiana. Leading by example, we hope to encourage and inspire our fellow Hoosiers to participate in the practice of giving back. Our goal is to create lasting philanthropic partnerships and maximize those relationships for the betterment of our community, thus, building a legacy of goodwill as we share the heart behind the horseshoe.
