DOVER, Del. – It was a solemn and joyous occasion at the 19th annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive at Dover Motor Speedway on Wednesday, September 11.
About 40 donors signed up to donate blood in commemoration of one of the worst tragedies to occur on American soil that fateful day in New York City on September 11, 2001. Then, after their selfless act, donors got to experience the joy of taking a lap around the famous Monster Mile at Dover Motor Speedway.
The experience was too good to pass up for Blood Bank of Delmarva Executive Director, Blood Operations Steve Corse, who donated blood. He took his black Dodge Charger for a solo spin, revving up the V8 engine and spinning his wheels as he merged onto the Monster Mile, before taking Director, Donor Services Megan Johnson and Director, Human Resources Phyllis Fisher each for a couple of thrilling spins.
Giving Corse a run for his money was donor Wayne Shockey, who came from New Jersey with his 1967 Pontiac GTO. Shockey saw the chance to drive on the racetrack, and he could not pass up the chance.
In all, the 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive attracted regulars, such as Amy Brenner and Gary Camp, who work at Dover Motor Speedway, and local residents Michelle Yocum and John Akers. And there were new and lapsed donors as well.
“This is my fourth time at the track,” Yocum said. “I donated for the first time four years ago with my work partner, and I’ve just kind of kept up the tradition.”
There were also first-time donors, such as Dover City Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, and donors who hadn’t given in a while, such as Dover City Councilman Brian Lewis. The council members were big supporters of the 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive, and helped spread the word about the event.
“It went well,” said Councilwoman Arndt, chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee. “It was a lot easier than I expected, and I feel like I’ve really done something today. Every time you ask me, I’ll come.”
Added Councilman Lewis, “I want to help the community and donate blood for those that need it. We’re in need of blood in the community, and I implore everybody to come out”
Other first-time donors included Anthony Climie, who donated in the morning, and Jamie O’Neill, who came out in the afternoon.
“My mom’s been donating for a while, and I came here once before with her,” Climie said. “And, I love NASCAR, so I figured I’d give it a shot and donate blood for the first time. Then, I get to drive on the track.”
Added O’Neill, “It was both [driving on] the track, and I just thought it would be a really cool experience. I’ve never done it before, and I wanted to give it a try.”
Last, but not least, Cory Dunt donated at the behest of his friend, Blood Bank of Delmarva Marketing Manager Jason Burlew.
“I hadn’t donated in a while, but they hadn’t had good luck,” Dunt said. “They were poking, sticking and bruising, with no blood. Jason said, try it again; come to Dover Motor Speedway and you get to drive around the racetrack. I’m a big NASCAR fan, and I was like, I can’t say no to that!”
Dunt said it was a great experience, and his faith was restored in donating blood, giving a shoutout to Blood Collection Tech Luis Bustos.
