LaughFest, MI Blood & Blue Care Network Team up for Blood Drive

It's often said that laughter is the best medicine. Unfortunately for many, laughter simply isn’t enough. So for the third year in a row, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids (GCGR) and LaughFest are partnering with Michigan Blood and Blue Care Network to host blood drives during LaughFest. The drives will be held on Feb.24, March 2, 3, 4 and 9, 2015.Many people on a cancer journey, including Gilda’s Club members, rely on blood product transfusions. Whether someone is inspired to donate blood in honor of a loved one, or just to give back, it can make a real difference in the health of those in need.

Many people on a cancer journey, including Gilda’s Club members, rely on blood product transfusions. Whether someone is inspired to donate blood in honor of a loved one, or just to give back, it can make a real difference in the health of those in need.

For every person that donates blood, Blue Care Network (BCN) will donate $10 towards LaughFest’s High Five campaign, which aims to raise $50,000 in community support to benefit GCGR’s children’s cancer, grief and in-school emotional health programs. Each $10 donation made by BCN will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Amway, the matching partner of the High Five campaign. Individuals interested in donating directly to the High Five campaign may do so by purchasing a button at a participating restaurant or business in West Michigan, at LaughFest Central or LaughFest shows or by donating at www.laughfestgr.org/high-five.

Donors will also receive a limited edition t-shirt and be entered to win LaughFest tickets and merchandise.

Donation dates, times and locations are;

• Tuesday, Feb. 24 I Keystone Church I 655 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada I 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Monday, March 2 I Michigan Blood I 1036 Fuller NE, Grand Rapids I 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 3 I BCN I 611 Cascade West Pkwy, Ada I 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 4 I King Memorial Youth Center I 225 S. Hudson St., Lowell I 12 p.m.  – 7 p.m.
• Monday, March 9 I King Memorial Youth Center I 225 S. Hudson St., Lowell I 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

To donate blood, you must be 17 years of age (16 with parent or guardian consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and pass a health screening. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred for donor convenience. Schedule an appointment by calling 1(866)642-5663 or visit https://donate.miblood.org.