Contact:
Beth Stefanik
Associate Director of Communications & Media Relations
434.296.5106 (o)
434.282.4371 (c)
bstefanik@stab.org
www.stab.org

Fourteenth Silver Lining Blood Drive to be Held December 6

Charlottesville, VA, Nov. 17, 2015 – The fourteenth Silver Lining Blood Drive in just six years will take place on Sunday, December 6 at St. Anne’s-Belfield School. Named in memory of School parent and volunteer Becky Silver, the event is open to the public and will feature a “Tailgate and Donate” theme complete with big screen TVs, free tailgate foods, games, and fun for all who attend.

The first blood drive held in Becky’s honor took place in 2009, the year she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Seven total drives were held prior to Becky’s death in 2011. During the course of her treatments, she required between 150 and 200 transfusions, blood that sustained her for two years.

“The blood drive is an extension of Becky’s selfless nature,” said her husband, Lee.
“Giving blood is an act of kindness that reaches people in a personal way without drawing attention to the act of giving. You give one pint and you may help three people in need.”

Due to hosting twice-yearly Silver Lining Blood Drives, St. Anne’s-Belfield School became eligible for a Virginia Blood Services High School Scholarship in 2015. The success of the blood drives meant that the available scholarship was the maximum dollar amount, $3,500, based on the number of donors registered. Cary Jones ’15 was honored with the award for his dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work in making the drives a success.

A 2016 scholarship will be available to St. Anne’s-Belfield School students with the completion of the December and early spring drives already planned. The dollar amount will again be determined by donor participation, and the recipient selected based on service.

More than four million Americans require blood transfusions each year, and there is currently no substitute for human blood. For more information on donation eligibility, please visit www.vablood.org/donors.

The Silver Lining Blood Drive will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on December 6 in St. Anne’s-Belfield School’s Student Activity Center (2132 Ivy Road). Donors may request a time by emailing stab.gives.back@gmail.com.

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St. Anne’s-Belfield School is a co-educational preschool through grade 12 day school of more than 900 students and 120 faculty and staff, with a boarding program in grades 9 through 12. More than 20 countries are represented in the student body, with 38% of families receiving financial aid. More information may be found at www.stab.org.