BEAVERCREEK – Bragging rights between Beavercreek’s “Bravest and Finest” will be on the line when the Beavercreek Police Department and Beavercreek Township Fire Department sponsor the second annual “Battle of the Badges Blood Drive” 3-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17 in Peace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 3530 Dayton-Xenia Road.
Everyone who registers to donate can support their favorite by casting a vote for either the cops or the firefighters. They’ll also receive a free water bottle from Community Blood Center (CBC) as a donor gift, plus a chance to win a deluxe Hawaii vacation for two. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com or call 800-388-GIVE.
The police have a score to settle with the firefighters. The firefighters won the 2014 Battle of the Badges with 59 donor votes, compared to 41 for police. The competition was revived last year with the help of Pat Cochran from the Beavercreek Township Fire Department Auxiliary, who joined forces with Dan Jessup, coordinator of the Peace Lutheran Church blood drive. Peace Lutheran hosts six blood drives a year and is a LifeSaving Ambassadors Club Platinum Award recipient, CBC’s highest honor for blood drive excellence.
The combination of loyal Peace Lutheran donors and Battle of the Badges supporters resulted in 114 registrations, including 14 first-time donors, and 88 blood donations for 122 percent of the collection goal.
“We just want to make this as successful as last year,” said Pat. “We are enthused about this! As lifesavers and caregivers, we know the value of a unit of blood. We are all about service to mankind. We see that everybody wins with this event.”
Everyone who registers to donate will receive a free “Catch the Wave – Donate Blood” screw top, plastic water bottle with straw. Everyone age 18 and older will also be automatically entered in the CBC “Get on Board – Give Blood” summer blood drive drawing to win an all-expense-paid Hawaii vacation for two.
The grand prize includes air travel and deluxe accommodations for eight nights at two island locations. All taxes, fees and meals are included. The vacation package also includes pre-paid activities and sight-seeing excursions, plus all ground transportation.
Eligible donors have until Aug. 28 to enter the “Get on Board – Give Blood Summer Blood Drive” drawing. REACH magazine is the media sponsor and The Flowerman is the fresh flower sponsor. Official rules are available at www.givingblood.org.
Maintaining the blood supply can be challenging during the summer months due to vacation travel and other changes in schedules. If you have to miss an appointment, CBC encourages you to reschedule when you are able. We especially encourage the continued support of type O whole blood donors and type A/B platelet and plasma donors.Learn more at www.GivingBlood.org.
