Get pumped at Mayor’s Challenge for Blood

This July, mayors across Sonoma County will come together for the fourth annual Mayor’s Challenge for Blood Donation. The drive solicits the help of the county’s mayors and city councils to urge their residents to donate blood in the month of July, typically one of the lowest donation months of the year due to summer and family. Blood Bank of the Redwoods, which has served North Bay counties for the past 60 years, will once again be conducting the drive.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage the citizens of the City of Sonoma to give blood during this time,” said Mayor Ken Brown. “This is especially important at this time of year and I know they will turn out to help.”
According to Ryan Benjamin, recruitment and donor services manager for Blood Bank of the Redwoods, the annual contest boosts the blood supply during the critical months while providing another opportunity to educate the public about the importance of blood donation. “The Mayor’s Challenge provides a unique opportunity to involve City Councils in the health and welfare of local patients,” said Benjamin.
The winning city of the Mayor’s Challenge for Blood Donations will be determined by the number of blood donors divided by the city’s population, so all cities have an equal chance. The winner will receive an original painting from Northern California artist Joyce Delario, commissioned by this year’s sponsor, North Bay Corporation. The artwork will be presented at the winning Mayor’s City Council meeting. The one-of-a-kind piece will grace the walls of the winning City Council for one year, after which time it is returned to Blood Bank of the Redwoods. The winner will be announced in August.
Past winners include Santa Rosa in 2006 and Sebastopol in both 2008 and 2009. So far, Sonoma has yet to win the challenge.