Hobson man wins plasma TV, gift card for donating blood
Posted: Feb 5, 2010 1:56 PM
David Wichman of Hobson in central Montana was the lucky winner of a 42” plasma television and $100 gift certificate to Walmart, thanks to his donation of blood to the Red Cross last month.
Wichman donated during the “Ultimate Couch Potato Giveaway” promotion, which encouraged people in Montana to not give up on donating blood as a New Year’s resolution in 2010.
Donors at Red Cross blood drives in Montana in late January were entered into a drawing to win the TV and gift certificate.
Upon hearing that he had won, Wichman hopped in his Suburban and made the 70-mile journey to Great Falls to claim his prizes that afternoon.
Wichman said, “I began donating blood as a graduate student in Bozeman, Montana nearly 30 years ago. My wife and I both donate blood as often as time will allow.”
Wichman will receive his 4-gallon pin upon his next donation.
(January 13, 2010) The American Red Cross has organized a special “couch potato” promotion to encourage people in Montana to donate blood.
Darla Ewer, donor recruitment manager for Montana, noted that the promotion is tied in to the tendency of many people to make New Year's resolutions. She said, “We know that many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions quickly, but, because of the constant need, we hope that people in Montana will not give up on donating blood.”
To encourage people to donate, all Red Cross blood donors in Montana between January 13 and January 31 will be eligible to enter a drawing to win a 42-inch plasma television set and a $100 gift certificate to Wal-Mart.
Ewer said, “The winning donor will be able to watch the big game or the winter games with their friends – or sit alone on the couch and indulge. This is exercise that even the ultimate couch potato can handle.”
The Red Cross aims to collect about 760 units of blood in Montana each week to meet the need.
Ewer also noted that people who are unable to donate blood can still make a contribution by organizing a Red Cross blood drive or assisting as a volunteer. To learn more, call 727-2212 or 1-800-GIVELIFE, or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
