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Gift-of-Life Marathon
 Thanks to the Gift-of-Life Marathon, Rutland, Vt. holds the New England record for
a single-day blood drive. In 2003, CVPS began this holiday blood drive as a way
to foster community spirit in the Giving Season and to give a big boost to the blood
supply, which is usually low at this time of year. Since then, the event has grown
steadily. In 2008, we reached new heights by collecting 856 pints of blood, beating
the former record established at a blood drive at Fenway Park in the wake of the
terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
As many donors will attest, the Gift-of-Life Marathon is special. It combines a
festive location, a festive atmosphere and the generosity of a small town to produce
an experience like no other — one that has people waiting their turn to give and
to receive something they cannot purchase, the Gift of Life.
1) You will save a life.
2) Show the needle who is the boss.
3) Cute phlebotomists!
4) Prove you have a heart.
5) Great food.
6) 60 percent of people need blood at some time.
7) Barely 5 percent ever donate.
8) Camaraderie.
9) Honor a lost loved one.
10) Impress your friends.
11) It’s a present that costs nothing.
12) Return the favor.
13) It’s a party!
14) Great gift bags.
15) Free Pico card or learn-to-ski package.
16) One pint can help three people.
17) It’s the right thing to do.
18) Free blood pressure test.
19) It’s selfless.
20) Show how tough you are.
21) Support cancer patients.
22) Free stuffed cow.
23) Accident and burn victims.
24) Be part of a New England Record.
25) Build your self-esteem.
26) Free parking.
27) Appointments available!
28) Get on Paramount Stage.
29) Get on the radio.
30) Free Bove’s pasta sauce.
31) Someone needs blood every 6 seconds.
32) Meet Terry Jaye.
33) Free Long Trail glass (over 21).
34) Blood can’t be manufactured.
35) See Paramount dressing rooms.
36) Ensure holiday blood supply.
37) Makes a great Christmas gift.
38) Lose 2 pounds in 10 minutes.
39) Reduces risk of heart attack.
40) Free Moosalamoo map.
41) You’re healthy – pass it on.
42) 4.5 million people in the U.S. and Canada need blood annually.
43) Blood recipients will love you.
44) Bond with family, friends, co-workers or teammates.
45) Free iron test.
46) You might get on TV.
47) Meet Ed Kelly.
48) Instant gratification.
49) Paying it forward.
50) Good excuse for eating a giant breakfast.
51) Fits your schedule.
52) Free PEG-TV mouse pad.
53) It’s a cheap date.
54) There’s nothing more generous.
55) It only takes about an hour.
56) Free temperature test.
57) Your body will make more.
58) Donations slip around the holidays.
59) You’ll be a hero.
60) Free Rutland Magazine.
61) Meet Brian Collamore.
62) Children and adults with leukemia.
63) Meet new people.
64) Free T-shirt.
65) Patients facing surgery.
66) If you don’t, who will?
67) Good excuse to skip exercise.
68) You are NOT too busy.
69) We’re asking you.
70) Every type of blood is needed.
71) Free Westminster crackers.
72) Most people are eligible.
73) You are not too old.
74) Eat all you want afterward – guilt-free.
75) The need is constant.
76) It’s a noble gesture.
77) It’s relaxing.
78) Mingle with great people.
79) Show your mother you amounted to something.
80) It’s gallant.
81) Free XC skiing.
82) Eat red meat without guilt.
83) You’ll probably need blood some day.
84) Teach by example.
85) It’s easy.
86) You’ll sleep well that night.
87) Accidents happen every day.
88) It’s the social event of the season.
89) Free movies.
90) Show your dog that you are man’s best friend.
91) It’s a random act of kindness.
92) Removes free radicals.
93) Good karma.
94) Free Vermont Soap.
95) It’s altruistic.
96) 20 percent of recipients are children.
97) Donating burns about 650 calories.
98) Meet Nanci Gordon.
99) It’s invaluable.
100) It’s a Rutland holiday tradition. |
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