Saratoga Gaming and Raceway sponsors

American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter Give n’ Take Blood Drive

Glens Falls, New York (January 5, 2010): Saratoga Gaming and Raceway will partner with the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter to sponsor a very special blood drive on January 25, 2010.  The blood drive will be held Noon-6pm in Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway in Saratoga Springs.

The “Everyone is a Winner When You Give Blood” Drive is part of the Red Cross’ “Give ‘n Take” campaign as we collaboratively feature the stories of local recipients and donors at these particular blood drives.  The goal of this particular blood drive is to collect 136 units of blood which could potentially save more than 400 lives.  Our hope is to collect much more than that with the support of the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway staff, patrons, as well as the surrounding community.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway will thank each and every blood donor by giving every donor 50 points to their Player Extras Club account.  These 50 points can be used toward purchasing food at the facility and/or gifts at Treasures Gift Shop.  To become a free member, donors can go to the Player Extras Club Counter. 

And, blood donors should also remember the phrase “Give a Pint, Get a Pound”.  January is National Blood Donor Month and Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to have also partnered with the American Red Cross.  To celebrate National Blood Donor Month, Dunkin’ Donuts thanks blood donors by offering a coupon for a free pound of coffee – your choice of ground or whole bean and any flavor.

Like our previous “Give ‘n Take” Blood Drives, we will feature two (2) honorary members during this drive:

1)     Kevin Hastings, who is a local blood recipient; and,

2)     Jamie Hartman who is the Executive Vice President and General Manager for Saratoga Gaming and Raceway.  Jamie also is a blood donor.

“A year ago, my son Kevin was struck by a vehicle and suffered severe injuries that required extensive surgeries and blood transfusions and therapy.  Now, thanks to the American Red Cross and to all the people who donate blood, he is making a remarkable recovery.” stated Glenn Hastings, longtime Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Team Member and Kevin’s father. .

"I can't think of a better way for myself and the employees of Saratoga Gaming and Raceway to help the community.  Simply stated, donating blood can save a life.  We look forward to hosting this blood drive in Vapor and being able to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter", stated Mr. Hartman.

“This drive is a perfect example to encourage new donors to come forth and save a life.  Kevin’s story clearly shows how precious life is and Jamie’s commitment to donating blood further states how someone, how an organization can help the lives of those in need.  It takes a collective group of blood donors like Jamie to save a life.  Together, we can further the mission of the American Red Cross”, said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.

There is a need for blood each and every day of the year. By giving blood now, you are helping to ensure this precious gift is on-hand for patients like Kevin Hastings who need your help to survive cardiac arrest, an accident, or illness. We all depend on this perishable resource.  Blood is an emergency medicine and must always be readily available.

Some facts about blood donation:

•   only about five (5) percent of the population in the United States donates blood even though 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate;

•   just one pint of blood can help save as many as three lives;

•   approximately every two seconds, someone in America needs blood;

•   About 34,000 donations are needed every day to help save the lives of cancer patients, accident victims, and children with blood disorders in the United States;

•   approximately one out of three people will need blood in their lifetime;

•   type O blood can help anyone during an emergency when there is no time to test a patient’s blood type as anyone can receive type O blood; and,

•   you can give blood every 56 days.

All blood donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old (16 with a New York State parental permission slip) and must weigh a minimum of 110 lbs. Again, blood donors can donate blood every 56 days.  If you are interested in donating blood at the “Everyone is a Winner When You Give Blood” Drive sponsored by Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, please call the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter Office at 792-6545.

For more information, please visit our website redcrossadirondacksaratoga.org.  We are now on Facebook under the name Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga and also on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/arcadirondacksaratogachapter.

About Vapor Night Club

Vapor Night Club is one of the hottest spots in the Capital Region.  Live entertainment ranges from local bands to national acts as our own house DJ oversees weekly dance parties.    Must be 21 to enter Vapor.  Proper attire required.  For more information, visit vapornightclub.com.

About Saratoga Gaming & Raceway

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway now boasts over 1,700 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, Vapor Night Club, two full-service restaurants with buffets, three full-service bars, food court and deli, gift shop, and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check.  Video gaming and food and beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.  Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is open seven (7) days a week from 10:00 am to 2:00 am.  Must be 18 years of age or older to play Video Gaming Machines or to wager on horses.  Please play responsibly.  Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week.  Pending approval by the NYSRWB, live harness racing will return on Sunday March 1, 2009.  For more information, visit saratogagaming.com.

Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation

Giving back to our communities in a meaningful way is important to all of us. So we can give life to that concept, we have formed The Dunkin’ Brands Community Foundation — a true partnership between franchisee and franchisor. This new philanthropic initiative will make a difference to the communities in which we live and where we serve our customers every day.

About the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter

The American Red Cross, Adirondack Saratoga Chapter is dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  Led by a volunteer Board of Directors with 250 other volunteers and 10 paid employees, the local Red Cross is supported by community donations and provides services to Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton and southern Essex Counties.  Last year the Red Cross ran 650 aquatic courses and 1048 first aid and CPR courses, collected over 19,000 units of whole blood, helped deliver 303 emergency messages for members of our armed forces, and assisted more than 1,250 neighbors who were affected by local disasters.  For more information, visit redcrossadirondacksaratoga.org.