Be Like Bobby
That’s the theme of the 2018 Gift-of-Life Marathon Blood Drive, and we are urging local residents to emulate one of the event’s and community’s greatest volunteers, city resident Bobby Poquette.
Drives will be held Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Castleton University; Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CVPS-Leahy Education Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center; and Dec. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the College of St. Joseph.
“The theme is ‘Be like Bobby – Be a hero,’” GMP Vice President Steve Costello, an organizer, said. “Bobby is the epitome of the Gift-of-Life and giving of oneself. He is one of the most caring, selfless and genuine people I have ever met, and he is an example we could all learn from.”
Added co-organizer Terry Jaye: “If we all emulated Bobby’s commitment to others, the world would be a much better place.”
To boost participation, organizers have issued a challenge to local businesses, schools, houses of worship, clubs, and teams to see who can donate the most blood over the four-day event. The winning team will win a huge trophy, and a maple creamee party for up to 100 people. Register your team by contacting Lisa Fitzgerald at 802-734-5180 or lisa.fitzgerald@redcross.org
Donors will receive a free T-shirt and gift bag, while supplies last, filled with items from Triller Print Services, Killington Resort, Heritage Family Credit Union, Downtown Rutland Partnership, Rutland Regional Medical Center, GMP, College of St. Joseph, Omya, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, and GE Aviation. All presenting donors will also have a chance to win door prizes from Hildene, Alderman’s Chevrolet, Carpenter and Costin, Casella Waste Systems, Best Western Inn and Suites, Terry Jaye, and Steve Costello.
To make an appointment to donate, call 800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
This story was borrowed from the Gift of Life Marathon Facebook Page.