The
final count for Rutland’s Gift of Life Marathon Blood drive was 1,954
pints of blood, which means the city fell 14 pints short of the record set by Manchester, New Hampshire.
For
folks in Rutland this year’s Gift of Life Marathon was a real nail biter.
Unofficially Rutland fell just 18 pints short of setting the national record for a one-day drive, collecting 1,951 pints of
blood. Manchester, New Hampshire set the
record of 1,968 pints last year.
Hundreds of people turned out to give blood at Rutland’s annual Gift of Life
Marathon. But the estimated
tally of 1,800 pints fell short of a national record.
Hundreds of people packed Rutland’s Paramount Theatre and two other
locations today hoping to help the city set a record for the largest single-day
blood drive in the nation.
Organizers of the annual gift of life Marathon in Rutland hope to set a new
record today and host the largest blood drive in the nation. Close to two
thousand people will need to role up their sleeves to do it.
Bob Young, the former head of Central Vermont Public Service, says the
annual Gift of Life blood drive that CVPS co-sponsors has taken on a
special significance to him. Young was
recently diagnosed with Leukemia and blood and platelet donations have
been critical in helping him fight the disease.
Organizers
of Rutland’s Gift of Life Marathon are celebrating. The blood drive shattered Boston’s one day record and topped last year’s total by over
350 pints.
Each
December, the people of Rutland
come together to give a very special Christmas present — blood. The
annual Gift of Life Marathon provides a huge amount of blood at a time when
supplies are often critically low. Last year, the event brought in over one
thousand pints. Per capita, it’s the largest single day donation in the nation.
Every
year, hundreds of people gather in Rutland for an unusual holiday party at the Paramount
Theater. There
are presents, refreshments and lots of good cheer. The only catch? You have to give blood.