Dr. Richard Counts (left), Dr. Earl W. Davie (center) and Stew Rogers

In Development...

…and already an established success is the “Food for Thought” series of special lunchtime events that raise awareness of Puget Sound Blood Center research. It’s one of the many programs put together by the Blood Center’s Development Department to cultivate financial support for Blood Center research efforts. Board members, Blood Center executives and scientists speak to and with audiences; the sessions have proven to be invaluable to Blood Center volunteers and contributors. Visit psbc.org to find the next scheduled event.

More Than Just Lunch
Other Development events include the annual Golf Gets In Your Blood! tournament and dinner to benefit Blood Center research and the Bleeding Disorder Foundation of Washington’s Camp I-VY, a week-long summer outing for children who cope with bleeding disorders.

This past June, the event netted $134,225 on a Northwest day of clouds, rain and eventually, sun – and high spirits. Golfers numbered 140, and 250 guests attended the dinner-auction that night. To help with next year’s event, contact Kim Clough (206-292-7070). For information on the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of Washington, visit www.bdfwa.org.

On Land, in Lake
Say “Labor Day” and what do you think? Okay, after “day off, picnic.” For Blood Center supporters – many of whom are serious runners – the answer is the Super Jock ‘n Jill Half-Marathon and Fun Run/ Walk. Nearly 1,800 shunned picnics for a few hours, and the fleet-of-foot and foot-draggers alike raised more than $8,000 for Blood Center research. On the wet side, the 10th annual “Swim for Life” across Lake Washington raised more than $12,000 on August 8.

Recognizing Lifetime Support
Support of the Blood Center over the long haul is the basis of its greatest honors, bestowed at the Annual Board & Benefactors Dinner. Held August 22, the event was the setting for presentation of the Dr. S. Maimon Samuels Founders’ Award to long-time board member Stew Rogers, and the Dr. J. Richard Czajkowski Service Award to Earl W. Davie, Ph.D.

“Stew is my nominee for the ideal nonprofit board member,” said Dr. Counts. The Blood Center president noted that Rogers was well-prepared, asked penetrating questions, provided valuable advice, was a regular research fund contributor and was instrumental in helping the Blood Center secure a large grant for its Rare Donor Program.

Dr. Davie, biochemistry professor and former department chair at the University of Washington, is internationally renowned in molecular biology and protein chemistry. “Over the years,” said Dr. Counts, “Earl and his associates have made more major contributions to our detailed knowledge of the blood clotting system than anyone. His contributions to the Blood Center began in the early 1970s as he trained many of us here, including Dr. Art Thompson and me, Dr. Kate Pratt, and Dr. José A. López.”