Safeway, Inc. was recognized with a Community Service Award at the Partners in Life breakfast in February. Safeway President Greg Sparks and Director of Public & Government Affairs Cherié Myers accepted the award presented by the Blood Center’s Executive Vice President of Marketing & Community Relations Maria Elena Geyer and the Honorable Gary Locke, former Washington Governor and CAC Chair 2007-2009.

During the past year, the Blood Center continued to build old and new relationships in the community. All programs are focused on our goal for over six decades – saving lives.

Partners in Life
For the 12th straight year, the Blood Center hosted our Partners in Life events to show our appreciation for the donors and volunteers who are the life blood of our organization. Nearly 1,000 people participated in these celebrations. The Blood Center continues to have the largest volunteer group in Washington State with 2,100 active volunteers.

Hopital Awareness Partnership Program
For the fourth consecutive year, the Blood Center worked with our hospital partners on an awareness campaign highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of these partners and building awareness of the essential role of the Blood Center in their life-saving programs.

Safeway Foundation’s Charitable Giving
In 2009, Safeway Foundation continued to partner with the Blood Center to build awareness and raise funds for cord blood research through its Employee Giving Campaign.

Community Awareness Council
The Community Awareness Council (CAC) consists of business and community leaders that assist the Blood Center in educating their employees and others about the need for their support. Chaired by Safeway Foundation’s Cherié Myers, over fifty organizations participated in 2009.

Media
Maria Arcega-Dunn, lead anchor for KCPQ 13 Fox News, became an ambassador for our Perfect Match Program, which encourages people of color to donate blood and join the marrow registry. She also hosted the Spring for Life fundraiser and made covering the Blood Center on her newscast a priority.

Kathy Guthrie, center, needed 27 units of blood two years ago while giving birth to her son Kevin. She shared her story at our Partners In Life luncheon in Vancouver with her sister, three children and husband Gary, a regular blood donor, in the audience.