In response to a request for help from Florida Blood Services, “Give the Gift of Life” was created as the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Hospitality Blood Drive and will commence on Thursday, September 10th.

Clearwater, FL, September 9, 2009 – Teaming up with Florida Blood Services, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 1st Annual “Give the Gift of Life” Hospitality Blood Drive on Thursday, September 10th from 1pm – 6pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on S. Gulfview Blvd. on Clearwater Beach.  The blood drive was created by the Chamber in an answer to help FBS.  According to fbsblood.org, the overall current total blood supply is low.  The counts are as follows:

·         O-, A- and B- are at the “Critical Level” = 1-day available supply or less.  There is just not enough blood on hand to meet routine or emergency needs.

·         O+ and AB- are at the “Minimum Safe Level” = a 2-day available supply, but not enough blood to release to take care of patients in a major trauma or emergency.

·         A+, B+ and AB+ are at the “Preferred Level” = a 3-day available supply or more, which is enough blood for one major emergency to strike.

To make the inaugural hospitality blood drive fun, all lifesaving donors will receive:
·         a pirate themed T-shirt;
·         a coupon from Pirates Dinner Adventure for a buy-one-ticket, get-one-FREE;
·         a chance to find the “Lucky Treasure” that includes a 2-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal; 2 FREE entry tickets to Pirates Dinner Adventure; and
·         a $50 gas card.

In addition to the prizes, wellness check-ups and cholesterol screenings will be awarded.  Food and beverages will also be served.

About the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region.  Representing more than 1,400 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members.  CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region.  Visit http://www.clearwaterflorida.org