Family, friends and community members are invited to roll up a sleeve and donate blood in memory of longtime Winnetka resident and humanitarian R. Scott Falk on Friday, October 14. The blood drive will run at two locations simultaneously: at Kenilworth Assembly Hall (410 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the R. Scott Falk Family Blood Donation Site at the Rauner Center (2200 W Harrison Street, Chicago) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

R. Scott Falk passed away suddenly of natural causes in May of 2019. Scott was a true visionary and leader. He modeled a long-term legacy of dedication and commitment to the American Red Cross as a board member of the Greater Chicago chapter for 12 years. He also served in various board leadership roles in Chicago, including Board Chair and Chair of the Philanthropy Committee of the Red Cross. Scott also chaired the Heroes Breakfast committee, propelling the Chicago Heroes Breakfast to be one of the most successful fundraising events in the city of Chicago and across the Red Cross regional network. 

Scott was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he served for almost 30 years in mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. He received numerous accolades over the years, having been listed in Chambers as a leading lawyer for over a decade, and was known at Kirkland & Ellis for his mentorship and leadership in the firm.

Scott’s humility, enthusiasm, commitment, passion, motivation and knowledge are unmatched. The annual memorial blood drive is a salute the legacy of a wonderful humanitarian, who truly had an impact on the American Red Cross. You can read more about Scott’s exceptional life in his obituary.

He is survived by his wife Kimberly and their children, Meredith and Jack. Kimberly will be available at the Kenilworth location for interviews if requested.

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood and platelet shortage and must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month for the blood supply to recover and meet hospital and patient needs.

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 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.

Blood and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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 not-for-profit 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.