NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle In Race For Blood Donations

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 05 Nov 2008 - 9:00 PST

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Through a new national campaign this racing season, called Red Cross Racing, the American Red Cross is helping to increase the number of blood donors and to encourage people to give blood more often.

3M, Roush Fenway Racing and the Red Cross are partnering with Greg Biffle - driver of Roush Fenway Racing's No. 16 Ford Fusion - to help raise awareness during the 2008 racing season about the ongoing need for blood donations. Biffle, a Red Cross blood donor and member of its National Celebrity Cabinet, has agreed to act as a spokesperson to help get the word out to the 75 million passionate NASCAR fans across the country.

More than 28,000 people have already joined Red Cross Racing, resulting in nearly 22,500 blood donations. Registrants have the chance to accrue points and exchange them for NASCAR-themed prizes such as caps, tee shirts and limited edition die-cast cars. Fans can join the program one of two ways, either at the track, or by visiting redcrossracing.com. Once registered, individuals are automatically entered for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to an upcoming race. The prize package includes airfare, hotel, two race tickets and pit and garage tours.

Red Cross Racing also includes a donor rewards program that encourages repeat blood donation. However, participation in this program is not limited to current donors. There are several elements to this program aimed at non-donors who also have the chance to accrue points through donation-related activities. For instance, anyone may refer friends to the program and join or start a team in a "race" to help save lives and a chance to win both team and individual prizes.

This year's Red Cross Racing season ends on January 15, 2009. The first group of prize winners was chosen on October 2 and the next round of grand prize winners will be drawn on January 16, 2009. The following individuals have been invited to join the Red Cross at the Phoenix International Raceway on November 9:

- General Sweepstakes: Robby Ouellette, Manchester, NH
- Blood Donor Drawing: Shonda Worthington, Nashville, TN
- Team Owner Drawing: Bob Redmond, Flippin, AR
- Platelet Donor Drawing: Walter Paulson, Draper, VA

American Red Cross - Add One

"At first I was like 'no way!" said Robby Ouellette, winner of the sweepstakes prize package. "I was on the phone with my daughter and I told her it can't be the trip to the race I won- it had to be one of the other prizes. I was shocked, but I'm so excited!"

Walter Paulson, winner of the platelet drawing, couldn't be happier. "I've been donating platelets for a while now, and have been a NASCAR fan for years, but I've never been to a race. My wife and I sit down every Sunday with my father-in-law and watch the races week after week. I am tickled to death by this prize. My wife is bouncing off the walls. She's been a NASCAR fan even longer than I have!"

The Red Cross will have an at-track exhibit at Phoenix International Raceway from November 7-November 9 where race fans can complete their live Red Cross Racing registration via the Internet, play educational games, learn about blood donation and other Red Cross services, and take a tour of the Spirit of America, a mobile kitchen that can produce up to 30,000 meals each day during a large-scale disaster.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms-often in combination-to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.3M.com.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating 13 motorsports teams. Five in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; four in the Nationwide Series with Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, McMurray, Ragan, Erik Darnell and Colin Braun; and three in the Craftsman Truck Series with Darnell, Braun, Kvapil, John Wes Townley and Bobby East; and one in the ARCA RE/MAX Series with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto http://www.RoushFenway.com. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

American Red Cross