Our first-ever “Cartoonists Draw Blood” event this past Saturday, November 2, 2013 with the Washington, DC chapter of National Cartoonists Society and American Red Cross was a success. We had 40 people arrange appointments before the event. 25 donors was the goal for the Red Cross (I think they require event organizers like me to arrange more beforehand because some people don’t make it out), but we came up with a total of 30 donors – 30 pints of blood! A handful of people were deferred, but we still made art for them.
I am amazed by the results. American Red Cross told me we saved the lives of up to 90 strangers just from this one day of Cartoonists Draw Blood! Having this be my first blood drive to organize, I had no idea this event could save that many lives. I thought it would be a handful, but no way would I have ever thought 90 people. Again, a huge thank you to everyone involved.
All my event photos are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151946974587381.1073741835.50763422380&type=3
The Washington Post covered our event on-the-scene with a reporter (Bettina Lanyi) and photographer (Liz Vance). The article was published today online and I heard it is also in the District’s print edition today in the Local Living section. Here is a link so you can read the full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/besides-juice-and-cookies-blood-donors-at-dc-drive-received-cartoonists-original-art/2013/11/07/22fc0538-456f-11e3-b6f8-3782ff6cb769_story.html
Fairfax Times also helped promote the event the day before in print and online: http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20131101/NEWS/131109810/0/fairfaxTimes&template=fairfaxTimes
The Takoma Voice provided online coverage before the event and included interviews with many of the cartoonists as well showcasing images of our art. Here is the link: http://tpssvoice.com/2013/10/25/cartoonists-want-your-blood/
Thanks to everyone who donated blood this past Saturday. A huge thanks to Seekers Church for the wonderful venue. Of course, thanks to all the cartoonists (Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Steve Loya, Jay Payne, Joe Sutliff, Jake Warrenfeltz, and JTW) for lending their time and talents to a great cause. The Red Cross already wants to do this event with us twice a year, so as I like to say: Stay ‘tooned!
Thanks,
Carolyn
Comments Off on Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood – American Red Cross Blood Drive
