May 22, 2013 - UTI-Exton Hosts Its First-Ever Blood Drive Block Party with the American Red Cross

Buddy the Blood Drop, the American Red Cross’ mascot, gives a thumbs-up with Roy Benner, UTI-Exton’s Director of Facilities, at the campus’ first blood drive blood party.

Universal Technical Institute in Exton teamed up with the American Red Cross to host its first-ever blood drive block party on Wednesday, May 8. Open to UTI students and staff, as well as the Chester County community, the blood drive featured food, raffle prizes, music and activities for all those who generously donated blood. Buddy the Blood Drop, the American Red Cross’ mascot, and Fox29 also stopped by to join the festivities.

“We thank UTI for helping to save lives in our community and hope to turn many students and surrounding community members into life-saving blood donors,” said Anthony C. Tornetta, Communications Manager for the American Red Cross. “The blood drive will play a big part in helping the Red Cross continue to build a stable blood supply as the summer months approach.”

UTI-Exton hosts five blood drives per year. Since 2011, the campus has hosted more than 20 blood drives and collected more than 1,720 pints of blood.  However, this was the first drive open to the public and more than 200 people participated. In total, the drive raised 193 donations that will benefit over 579 local hospital patients, the second highest collection in the campus’ history.

“UTI has been a proud sponsor of the American Red Cross blood program for more than a decade,” said Michael Chapman, Student Services Director for UTI’s Exton campus. “In partnering with the Red Cross, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to the local community and illustrate to our students the importance of giving back.”

Diateza Alfredo, a current student at UTI-Exton, also stopped by the event to speak with students and Red Cross volunteers. Alfredo receives monthly blood transfusions for sickle cell disease. “If I don’t get a transfusion, I start to have headaches, joint pains and other issues where I can’t really operate after a certain point,” said Alfredo.

He continued by expressing his gratitude to all those who donate: “It’s very helpful for the people who end up receiving the donation. Not every day do we get the opportunity to say thank you to those who donate blood, but if we get the chance, we would love to say thank you to everyone.”

To learn more about this blood drive and its impact on people like Alfredo, watch the American Red Cross’ Penn-Jersey Minute. For more information on UTI’s Exton campus in the Philadelphia area, visit our website and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.