NYRA and American Red Cross to host blood drive on November 10 at Aqueduct Racetrack

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today that it will partner with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Friday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The blood drive will take place in the Aqueduct Room, located on the fourth floor of the track. Donors should enter Aqueduct through the main lobby or the Turf and Field entrance and take the elevator to the fourth floor (see below for directions to Aqueduct Racetrack and where to park).

"NYRA is proud to once again support the American Red Cross by hosting this important annual event at Aqueduct Racetrack," said Vanessa Rodriguez, NYRA Community Relations Manager. "We thank the Red Cross for the important work they do, and look forward to another successful blood drive on November 10."

"When you donate blood, you give the gift of hope to a patient in need. It's one of the most meaningful and important gifts you can give someone," said Patty Corvaia, Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region's communications manager. "Without dedicated community partners like NYRA and all our blood donors, the Red Cross' life-saving mission would not be possible."

To mark the occasion, NYRA will name the first race of the day in honor of the American Red Cross. All donors will receive a NYRA souvenir, American Red Cross T-Shirts, and will be entered in a daily raffle for a $50 Visa gift card towards a holiday feast.

Donors with all blood types are needed. The American Red Cross asks eligible donors to give before the start of the holiday season because many regular donors delay giving between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day due to holiday and family activities. This often causes a drop in donated blood available for patients. Therefore, more donations are needed in the weeks leading to the holidays to ensure the blood supply is sufficient through the winter months.

Walk-ins are welcome at the blood drive, but donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and using the sponsor code, "NYRA."

Directions to Aqueduct Racetrack:

Aqueduct Racetrack is at 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard, South Ozone Park in Queens.

By Car:

•  From Points North: Van Wyck Expressway to Exit 2 (Rockaway Boulevard);
•  From Points East: Exit 18B off the Belt Parkway;
•  From Points West: Exit 19 off the Belt Parkway.

Parking:

•  Please park in the Turf and Field Club lot at the south end of the track, nearest to the Belt Parkway and JFK Airport.

By Subway:

•  Take the "A" Train to Aqueduct North Conduit Avenue or the Aqueduct Racetrack stop.

By Local Bus:

•  Take the Q7, Q11, Q37 or Q41.