More Than 800 Attend Largest Blood Drive in Summit County

More than 800 area residents took time out of their busy holiday schedules Thursday to attend the largest blood drive held in Summit County. The event was hosted by the and at the Front Street hotel.

Katy Berger, communications associate for the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, said the third annual event was fun, with holiday music playing and raffle prizes being awarded every 15 minutes. Every donor recieved a goody bag that included a pixie poinsettia from The Greenhouse Florist in Hudson and coupons to local businesses and restaurants.

"Everybody is really in a good mood here today," Berger said. "We have 1,000 people on the schedule from all over Summit County. It's only the third year for this event, and it's amazing how big it's gotten."

Instead of the usual cookies and juice offered at most blood drives, donors were treated to an array of appetizers and tantalizing desserts made by the Sheraton kitchen staff, as well as coffee provided by Starbucks.

Live entertainment was provided early in the day by a group of performers from in Bath and in Cuyahoga Falls who sang holiday carols while dressed in mid-1800s-style attire. They also shared holiday trivia from that era.

Every donor who attended was entered to win the grand prize of a Home Theater Experience Package, which includes a 42” TV, an Xbox 360 and Blu Ray disc player. Two runners-up will receive an Apple iPad 2. Winners will be announced today, Berger said.