Pints for Play is back! Thursday, May 8th from 6am-6pm, Jones & Company morning show hosts David Jones & Meredith Michaels will be live on-air on 107.9 WSRZ all day, hosting our 17th Annual Pints for Play blood drive with SunCoast Blood Centers, sponsored by Badger Bob’s Services.
Stop by the Target Plaza parking lot near UTC on University in Sarasota all day to donate blood anytime from 6am-6pm, or visit any of SunCoast Blood Centers’ five locations in Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte or Bradenton from 10am-6pm to donate
All donors during Pints for Play will receive a commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last) at any of the six donation sites, and will also get a “play” of a song request or a “plug” for their favorite local business or charity on-air from David & Meredith.
Exclusively at the Target Plaza location all day, donors also have the option to get a limited-edition Pints for Play tumbler courtesy of Badger Bob’s Services (while supplies last), instead of a Plug or Play on the air.
Also at Target Plaza, all donors between 11am-1pm can enjoy a free lunch from Mission BBQ of Sarasota … or free dinner from 4-6pm from our friends at Kelly’s Roast Beef.
Every hour during Pints for Play at Target Plaza, one lucky donor will be drawn at random to win a 4-pack of tickets to a 2025 regular season Tampa Bay Rays game at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, plus other prizes including $100 Amazon gift cards courtesy of Big Brothers/Big Sisters … pairs of tickets to see Billy Idol & Joan Jett in concert … and other prizes from the Ritz-Carlton, Siesta Con, The Meadows, Kendra Scott Jewelry, Pop Stroke, Gilligans’, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and more!
Need an extra reason to donate blood during Pints for Play? How about all NEW donors at any of the six donation locations will receive a $30 gift card from SunCoast Blood Centers … and all returning donors will receive up to $60 in gift cards!
Main Location (6am-6pm): Target UTC, 101 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Other SunCoast Blood Centers Locations (10am-6pm):
- 1760 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
- 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111, Bradenton, FL 34211
- Bird Bay Plaza, 539 US Hwy 41 Bypass, Venice, FL 34285
- Port Charlotte (Charlotte Square), 2150 Tamiami Trail, Unit 17, Port Charlotte
- 6026 14th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207
Why Blood Donations Matter:
·Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
·One donation can save up to three lives.
·Blood cannot be manufactured; it must come from generous donors like you.
·Local hospitals rely on Suncoast Blood Centers to ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need.
Health Benefits of Donating Blood:
·Improved Cardiovascular Health: Donating blood helps reduce excess iron in the body, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
·New Cell Growth: After donating blood, your body works to replenish the lost blood, promoting the production of new, healthy blood cells.
·Reduced Risk of Cancer: Regular blood donation has been linked to a decreased risk of certain cancers, such as liver, lung, colon, and stomach cancers, due to the reduction of excess iron.
·Burns Calories: Each donation burns approximately 650 calories as your body works to replenish the blood volume.
·Psychological Boost: The act of donating can boost your mood, as you know you’re making a significant difference in someone else’s life.
Eligibility:
·You must be 16 years or older to donate with parent consent (16-year-olds must provide a signed consent form).
·There is no upper age limit—you can donate if you are feeling well.
·Free wellness and eligibility screenings are available for all donors to ensure you are fit to donate.
Who You’re Helping:
·Accident victims, cancer patients, newborns, and those undergoing surgeries rely on blood donations.
·Local families benefit from a safe and steady blood supply, ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need.
Who SunCoast Blood Centers Serves:
·Your donations stay local—the blood collected at SunCoast Blood Centers is used to support local hospitals and their patients, helping those in our community.
·We serve hospitals in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties, as well as other area medical centers.
·Local families rely on a stable blood supply for treatments, surgeries, cancer care, and more - your donation directly benefits them.
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How You Can Get Involved:
·Donate blood and encourage friends and family to do the same.
·Share your donation experience on social media using #PintsForPlay and #SunCoastBloodCenters.
·Host a blood drive at your workplace, school, or community center.
Every donation counts, and your contribution today can save lives. If you haven’t donated yet, we encourage you to do so. Thank you for being a hero in our community!
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Badger Bob's Services!