NYRA and American Red Cross to host blood drive on November 9 at Aqueduct Racetrack

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today that they are again partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 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 clubhouse entrance and take the elevator to the fourth floor. 

To mark the occasion, NYRA will name the first race of the day in honor of the American Red Cross. All donors will be entered to win a $50 VISA gift card and receive a NYRA souvenir.

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

 In addition, Hurricane Matthew and its devastating aftermath have forced the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, resulting in thousands of uncollected blood and platelet donations. This has had a major impact on the Red national blood supply.

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."

"We're proud to partner with the American Red Cross in what has become an important annual event," said NYRA's Manager of Community Relations and Public Affairs Vanessa Rodriguez. "It's another example of NYRA's enduring commitment to the American Red Cross and the community that we call home."

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

About The New York Racing Association

 The New York Racing Association was founded in 1955 and is franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033. With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy. 

 In 2015, more than 1.75 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million. NYRA.com is the official website of The New York Racing Association. Follow us on your favorite social media platform, including: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.