By Eriana Meadows and Sierra Jones<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bulldog Club partnered with The Blood Connection Center (TBC) to host its first blood drive of the year. Students, staff and faculty were encouraged to donate blood to local hospitals with patients in need of blood transfusions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Courtesy of TBC, the campus organization, athletic team or staff department that donates the most will receive a catered lunch, dinner or tailgate meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Angelia Balmer, Business Representative of Blood Connection Center, spoke in depth about the turn out and partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe partnered with Gardner-Webb Bulldog Club, so not only will students receive $10 plus an additional $50 because we\u2019re in urgent need for blood, $10 will also go back to the bulldog club. We are in a brand new partnership with Van Wagner which allocated us to be able to partner with Gardner-Webb for the first time,\u201d said Balmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within an hour of the blood drive, 40 students had donated. TBC was expecting to receive blood from at least 90 donors based on the registration numbers. The event was originally set to be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. but extended its hours until 8 p.m. due to the donation count reaching about 200 people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stephen Qualls, Gardner-Webb student, donated a pint of blood which will save three lives. The proud donor looks forward to donating again in the future. \u201cThere\u2019s many people out there that are in desperate need of blood and I want to do what I can to give back,\u201d said Qualls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To find out more information about TBC and when to donate in the future visit The Blood Connection – Donor Portal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n