Clowns, Balloons and Blood

Heather Wright
Special to the Hornet
Published December 1, 1999

Clowns, balloons, movies and free food. Who ever thought giving blood could be so much fun?

Normally donating blood may not be so exciting, but with the student Union looking like a circus on Tuesday, many people just couldn't resist.

Did it matter that the "One Pint at a Time" blood drive was also an attempt to make the Guinness Book of World Records for the most blood donated in one day?

"I donated for the free food and T-shirt … and also for the record," said sophomore David Phung. The total number of pints needed to break the record was a whopping 3,450. Phung seemed glad to have contributed his pint. "I hope they break the record," he said.

In order for the blood drive to count toward the Guinness Book, the entire event, which lasted from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., had to be video recorded. A camera was set up in the corner of the University Ballroom where the event was held to document the drive.

"We have to record the event from start to finish to ensure it's all done in one day at one location," said Leslie Botos, the public relations director for the Sacramento Medical Foundation, the sponsor of the drive.

While participants waited for their medical screening, a television and videocassette recorder were set out for entertainment, and balloon-making clowns were also provided by the Shriner's Hospital to make the event as enjoyable as possible.

After donating, participants are usually given some juice and cookies and sent on their way. Not at this blood drive. This year, the SMF held a feast which included sandwiches, Chinese food, pizza and doughnuts. Adding to the circus feeling of the event, one volunteer walked around with a basket of popcorn yelling, "Popcorn, get your popcorn here!"

There were over 350 volunteers on hand at the drive, most of them CSUS students and regular SMF volunteers. Many of them even donated their blood as well.

One such volunteer was Guy Taylor, who has made 520 donations that total over 65 gallons of blood. Taylor said he donates because "by donating, I might be saving a life, and it's not hurting me!"

For those coming from off campus to donate, a shuttle service was provided from the overflow parking lot to the Union. "It was a lot of fun being in the van. All these people would pile in all excited, asking questions. It's really been a lot of fun," said Botos.

So why did most people come to donate their blood on Tuesday? For the record, for the spirit of giving? "Blood is often more needed than money. This is my community donation. You know this is going to someone who needs it, it's a little more direct," said Carol Bower, supervisor of Library support services.

Everyone had their different reasons for donating to the drive. Graduate student Elizabeth Collins came because "it was a good time to do it, so convenient. I didn't even know they were doing a record." Others came for a chance to take part in history. Blood drive volunteer Kristen Anderson, a CSUS senior, said she volunteered her time because "it's a good chance to get involved. I wish I had the guts to donate, but I want to be a part of the statistic any way I can."

For whatever reason people donated – the world record, the spirit of the holidays, or just because – it was clear that whether or not the record was beaten, everyone had a good time. Administrative assistant Maggie Choy summed up the feeling of the day.

"Giving blood is always a good thing to do, whether it's because of Christmas time or because of the record. This time was especially nice because of the festivities surrounding the record. I have to say I've had more fun giving blood today than any other time."