News Release March 31, 2005

Bonfils Blood Center’s Outstanding Donors, Volunteers and Community Partners to be Recognized at Apr. 21 Reception
Pueblo resident and blood recipient to thank donors for life-saving gift

For more information contact:
Julie Wedding 303.361.2873
Rochelle DeVargas 719.248.8445
Bonfils Blood Center

PUEBLO (March 31, 2005) - Bonfils Blood Center will host its second annual southern Colorado appreciation reception to honor the generous blood donors, financial benefactors, volunteers and partners who strengthen our community at the Pueblo Convention Center at 320 Central Main Street on Thursday, Apr. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The accomplishments of nearly 600 blood donors who reached donation milestones of five gallons and above in the last year will be acknowledged. Bonfils will also honor its blood drive hosts, liaisons and volunteers along with financial contributors and community partners that have provided leadership, time, energy and dollars over the past year.

Pueblo resident, Lynn Spradley will share her story of how blood donations helped save her life. Spradley was diagnosed with liver cancer in July 2003 and received a new liver that same month. Throughout her yearlong hospital stay, Spradley required nearly 100 units of blood to keep her alive.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to thank blood donors for their important contribution to the community,” Spradley noted. “I want people to know that their gift can and does go a long way to saving someone’s life. Blood donations saved my life and they can save other patients like me – for that I am thankful.”

Six special awards will be given to those who have shown exemplary commitment to the mission and vision of Bonfils Blood Center.

Bonfils Blood Center Foundation Leadership Award
Community Partner Award
Outstanding Blood Drive Growth Award
Outstanding College Blood Drive Award
Liaison of the Year Award
Youth Service Award

The second annual southern Colorado appreciation reception is generously sponsored by the Spradley Auto Group.

Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 115 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 363-2300.