Rye Country Day Celebrates A Thousand Blood Donations At Historic NY Blood Center Drive

RYE, NY — A milestone might in Rye, might marks not only a successful partnership, but also lives saved,

Rye Country Day School and New York Blood Center marked a milestone Wednesday, April 15, when the school hosted its 27th blood drive with NYBC, and surpassed 1,000 blood donations, according to the New York Blood Center. The campus event also included a presentation recognizing the school’s long-running partnership with the blood center.

Members of NYBC leadership joined local elected officials for the recognition, including City of Rye Mayor Josh Nathan, Westchester County Legislator Anant Nambiar and Rye City Councilwoman Amy Kesavan, according to the announcement. Mayor Nathan and Nambiar brought resolutions on behalf of the City of Rye and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, and Nambiar arranged for April 23 to be Rye Country Day School Day in Westchester County, the announcement said.

The school’s annual blood drive tradition is student-led, with students organizing the event and encouraging donor participation on campus, according to NYBC. The announcement said students used tabling, peer outreach and other campaigns to support the drive. This year, students promoted the event with a blood drop costume, morning announcements and shirts showing different blood types to highlight compatibility.

“NYBC is grateful for our neighbor Rye Country Day’s continued support and partnership over many years,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations for New York Blood Center. “Reaching 1,000 donations is an extraordinary milestone. The school’s dedication to supporting the blood supply and making a lasting, lifesaving impact across the community shows what a powerful difference enthusiastic young people can make when they rally around a truly lifesaving cause.”

NYBC said the school’s student enthusiasm and leadership have helped sustain the blood drives and support a steady blood supply for patients in need throughout the region. The blood center said recent updates to FDA guidance may make more people eligible to donate.

"I'm so proud of this milestone, and grateful to work at a school whose motto is Not for Self, but for Service," said Rebecca Drago, Director of Public Purpose at Rye Country Day School. “Our student volunteers work so hard to help this event run smoothly, and our student, employee, and parent donors save lives! Thanks to the NY Blood Center for this wonderful and long-lasting partnership."

According to the announcement, blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. Current eligibility guidelines are available through New York Blood Center at nybc.org or by calling 800.688.0900.