FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annual "Swim for Life" Set for Lake Washington

SEPTEMBER 7, 2000, SEATTLE — Six committed volunteers will brave the chilly waters of Lake Washington Tuesday, Sept. 12, in an effort to bolster the community blood supply. The goal is to persuade several hundred people to call 1-800-398-7888 to make appointments to give blood.

Led by Microsoft employees Scott Leopold, 43, and Bob Forgrave, 38, the swimmers and a small fleet of canoes will make a 3.5-mile voyage from Medina Public Beach to the shoreline near Husky Stadium.

• What: "Swim for Life" across Lake Washington
• When: Tuesday, Sept. 12
• Start Time: Noon
• Finish Time:4 p.m. (approx)
• Where: Medina Public Beach to UW Water Activities Center

But the real challenge comes when the public is invited to call throughout the day of the swim to schedule their blood donations. The goal is to prompt as many phone calls as the total number of blood donations contributed by all the swimmers. Combined, the swimmers have given blood 365 times. Leopold, himself, has given blood more than 100 times.

The public can get a head start by calling 1-800-398-7888 to schedule a whole-blood or platelet appointment and say the words "Donor Party" to get credit for one community pint toward the total challenge.

If you would like to join the Donor Party Crossing on Tuesday, September 12, e-mail Leopold at scottleo@microsoft.com.

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