FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honoring the Past with a Life Saving Present

Public relations consultant Kim Kimmy organizes drive to ensure a future for 100 patients!

OCTOBER 31, 2006, SEATTLE WA — Members of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women Seattle Alumnae Club wanted to mark the fraternity’s Seattle Alumnae Club’s milestone anniversary in a way that would honor the spirit of its past, present and future.  Award winning public relations and marketing consultant Kim Kimmy suggested kicking-off their centennial year with a blood drive.  And what better way to celebrate 100-years than to positively impact the lives of 100 patients.

The Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, founded in 1867, was the first national organization for college women.  The mission of Pi Beta Phi is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service.

The drive held this August on Capitol Hill and brought in over 30 donors.  Since each donation may be separated into its three parts, red cells, platelets and plasma, each donation has the potential to save at least three people in need of a life saving blood transfusion.  This was the first time donating for many of those who registered at the drive.

Left: Margaret Sunberg; Right: Kim E. Kimmy

Photo Left: Margaret Sundberg: The Seattle Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi had a blood drive with the goal of kicking off its 100th anniversary of helping 100 people. Most were first time donors, Baby Boomer and above in age. Shown here is Margaret Sundberg of Magnolia, co-president of the alumnae club.

Photo Right: "Kim Kimmy", Kim E. Kimmy, a 2003 alumnae initiate of the Seattle Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi, had the idea for the blood drive, and is a first time donor.

Our community relies upon the efforts of volunteer donors to maintain a ready supply of blood for patients in need of life saving transfusions.  Volunteers offer support in a variety of ways.  The Pi Beta Phi Seattle Alumnae Club blood drive demonstrates how creativity can play a role in saving lives.  By bringing friends from their past together, the Seattle Alumnae donations are a gift of life, ensuring support for patients who will need blood, such as those who suffer trauma, those needing  treatment or surgery.

Celebrating over a half century of innovation ourselves, Puget Sound Blood Center blends community volunteerism, medical science and research to improve patients’ lives and serves patients in more than 70 hospitals and clinics in 14 counties.  The Blood Center provides blood and tissue services, as well as transplantation support to 185 hospitals across the Northwest.

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