Media Contact:
Ashley Henyan
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Special Red Cross blood drive set for June 10th in Memory of Wendi Winters
Five years after Capital Gazette shooting, Annapolis community encouraged to give blood
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (May 18, 2023) — As the DMV remembers the horrific Capital Gazette shooting five years later, the Annapolis community is invited to donate blood on June 10, 2023 in memory of American Red Cross blood drive volunteer and journalist, Wendi Winters. Wendi tragically lost her life, alongside four others, in the workplace shooting on June 28, 2018; and this blood drive is anticipated to collect over 100 pints of blood to ensure those in the hospital due to an emergency, difficult childbirth or complicated surgery receive the blood products they need to survive.
Wendi Winters, a “proud Navy mom,” church youth adviser, Girl Scout troop leader and Red Cross volunteer, dedicated much of her life to serving those who needed help. June 2023 marks 5 years since her heroic actions saved the lives of several colleagues at the Capital Gazette. Since her passing, over 2,000 units of blood have been donated in her honor, resulting in potentially more than 2,000 lives saved.
Join us at this special blood drive on June 10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Arundel Ballroom) located at 173 Jennifer Road Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Eligible donors can schedule an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code ForWendi.
Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate another’s life. From check-in to check-out it only takes about one hour to give blood. Plus, those who come in to donate with the Red Cross in June 2023 will receive a $10 gift card by email. Plus, all presenting donors in June will be automatically entered for a chance to win* a backyard theater package—including a projector & screen, smokeless firepit, and MORE!
*Terms: rcblood.org/ June.
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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