Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica

Published on June 27, 2023

Donors can make their appointment now for the special event taking place on Thursday, July 6; donors will receive a t-shirt and America Red Cross dry bag, while supplies last

Kyle Kraska, FOX 11 and the American Red Cross invite Angelenos to be heroes at the first Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive in Santa Monica. The blood drive kicks off Thursday, July 6 at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, 101 Wilshire Boulevard. The event, held in honor of first responders and medical professionals who saved Kraska’s life, goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We are incredibly grateful to be partnering with Kyle Kraska on the Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive honoring first responders and blood donors who help save lives each and every day,” Jay Winkenbach, American Red Cross Regional Blood Services Executive said. “Summer months can be a challenging time to maintain a sufficient blood supply. We invite Angelenos to join us and roll up a sleeve for this first Celebration of Heroes Blood Drive in Santa Monica.”

Five Years of Helping Save Lives

In 2015, broadcaster and sports director Kyle Kraska nearly died after being shot six times as he was leaving his San Diego home for work. Spending a week in a coma, Kraska was treated for numerous traumatic injuries, including a perforated liver and a collapsed lung, coded twice on the operating table and required 14 units of blood through transfusions to stay alive. To thank the doctors, nurses, first responders and anonymous blood donors who saved his life, Kraska established KK’s Heroes and the Celebration of Heroes Blood Drives in partnership with the American Red Cross. Kraska shares his story in hopes of inspiring others here in Los Angeles to donate blood.

Eligible donors in the community can be a hero to help hospital patients by rolling up a sleeve to donate blood. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood will receive a commemorative t-shirt and an exclusive Red Cross dry-bag while supplies last! Terms: rcblood.org/gifts

How to help

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device and use sponsor code KKsHeroes.

Save time during donation

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.