Versiti to Host 23rd Annual Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show
From the coolest cars to the hottest new technologies, the Chicago Auto Show has it all – including an amazing opportunity to save lives during the five-day event. This year, Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is once again honored to partner with the show to host the 23rd annual Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive, July 15 – 19, 2021, at McCormick Place.
For many years, Dennis Buckley helped lead the auto show and was the driving force behind its blood drives. After his 2004 passing from cancer, the drive was named in his honor. Versiti Blood Center of Illinois will wheel in its 40-foot mobile coach bus as the backdrop for the five-day drive on the show floor.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the 23rd annual Dennis Buckley Memorial Drive. Donations made in Dennis’s memory have resulted in thousands of lives saved,” said David Sloan, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. “This year, in an effort to address the critical blood shortage, we are excited to also partner with A Pint for Kim and The Hamilton Car Collection to offer Versiti blood donors who donate at the show an exclusive ‘inside the ropes’ photo op with the Bugatti Chiron supercar. We are always amazed at the generosity of Chicago Auto Show attendees and this opportunity is one they won’t want to miss.”
Along with the photo opportunity, one very lucky donor will have a chance to win a joyride in the Bugatti Chiron – the only one in the region – courtesy of The Hamilton Collection. Donors will also be entered to win a $500 Amazon gift card on behalf of A Pint for Kim and all attempting donors will receive a free commemorative Versiti auto show t-shirt.
As the blood products supplier to 86 hospitals in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, the need for blood is constant. All blood types are needed, but especially type O negative, which is the universal type that can be safely received by all patients and is given to those undergoing surgery, kids and adults battling cancer and those in emergencies.
Donating blood takes about an hour with the actual donation taking 10 – 15 minutes. Anyone age 17 or older in good health who meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to give. Donations can be made July 15 – 18 between 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on July 19 between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. To make an appointment, call 1-800-7TO-GIVE (1-800-786-4483) or visit versiti.org/Illinois.
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