NEW ORLEANS, LA – Do you bleed black and gold? Local cultural organizations New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic (NOMC) and the NOLA Organ Grinders are asking you to prove it this summer by giving blood to The Blood Center of New Orleans. The groups are making it easy and convenient to give throughout the month of August, by producing a total of five local blood drives. Community members are asked to claim their appointment now to aid with event planning.
“Every Tuesday in the month of August, we are parking a blood bus outside our administrative office and hosting blood donors, then on the 18th we’ll throw a big party at Deutsches Haus with the Organ Grinders and other dance troupes”, says Erica Dudas, managing director of the New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation. “Over the years, we’ve helped The Blood Center collect more than a thousand pints of blood; this year we are upping our commitment because there’s a greater need to stock New Orleans’ blood shelves and make our city more resilient.”
Easily reachable by public transportation, a blood bus will be parked at 1525 Louisiana Avenue uptown every Tuesday in August from 12-6 p.m. After giving, donors will enjoy snacks generously provided by the Fresh Market and local businesses. On Sunday, Aug. 18, the groups will co-host a party with a purpose at DeutschesHaus where blood donors and community supporters can enjoy music by local DJs, a Dance Troupe Showcase and delicious food.
“This isn’t your average blood drive,” says Christina Duggar, Founding President of the NOLA Organ Grinders. “Mardi Gras Dance troupes care about our community, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves! We have created a benchmark event that the community needs.”
For those unable to participate in one of the five events but who still want to give, they can make an appointment at any Blood Center location – if they use the code L113 at time of giving, it will count toward the groups’ ambitious 500 pint goal.
“Summer is a tough time for blood collections,” says Paul Adams of the Blood Center. “Families are taking vacations, schools are out and in South Louisiana we always have to worry about storms. The Blood Center’s partnership with the Musicians Clinic and Organ Grinders is critical during a time when hospitals and patients are relying on blood donors to help save lives.”
OFFICIAL DANCE TROUPE PARTNERS:
The Organ Grinders, Pussyfooters, El Lucha Krewe, Muff-a-Lottas, Camel Toe Lady Steppers, Cherry Bombs, Sirens, and Rolling Elvi Jailhouse Rockers, Disco Amigos, Crescent City Fae, Roux La La, Dames de Perlage and Streetcar Strutters will be on site.
EVENT & PARTICIPATION DETAILS:
- 5 blood drives will be hosted throughout the month of August:
- Every Tuesday at the NOMC Admin Office (1525 Louisiana Ave)
August 6, 13, 20 and 27, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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- Sunday, August 18, 10:00am – 5:00pm at Deutsches Haus (1700 Moss St)
- Donors can give any time at any Blood Center location using code L113
- Critical need for blood from new and returning donors, to stabilize the cities blood supply during flood threats
Blood Donor Sign Up | RSVP on Facebook
