The American Red Cross is proud to announce a three-year partnership with the New York Islanders Hockey Club. The Islanders have made a commitment to host four Red Cross blood drives each year over the next three years, potentially saving more than 4,000 lives of hospital patients in need.

The partnership kicks off before the Islanders 2012 Draft Party on Friday, June 22, 2012, when the Islanders and the Red Cross team up for a blood drive at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. As a special thank you for helping their neighbors, all presenting donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to a 2012-2013 weeknight game of their choice (excluding the home opener or New York Rangers games).*

“The American Red Cross hopes Islanders fans will join us in making the commitment to help save lives by coming out to donate blood. Due to hectic schedules and busy summer travel plans, blood donations can decline during this time of year. However, it is the perfect time of year to show your support and give back to the community.” said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications, American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division.

“It’s a thrill to begin this very special partnership with the Red Cross,” Dave Decina, Islanders VP of Corporate Partnership, said. “We’ve already held three very successful blood drives together thanks to a great number of our fans who made commitments to help save lives. What they’ve done and what the Red Cross continues to do is paramount. We’re looking forward to helping the Long Island community for many years to come with the Red Cross.”

Donating blood is a profound act that helps save lives. Approximately every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs blood. That’s why your blood donation through the Red Cross is so important. A blood donation may help save up to three lives and it only takes about an hour of time. It is the blood on the shelves today that helps save lives tomorrow.

The Red Cross blood drive will take place in the Lower Box Office of the Coliseum prior to the Islanders Draft Party. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting redcrossblood.org. All presenting donors will also be entered in a drawing for a grand prize package that includes (2) Islanders game tickets, overnight stay at the Long Island Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and breakfast at Prime Seasons Restaurant (Date is to be determined). Additionally, each presenting donor will receive a voucher for a free entree from Moe’s Southwest Grill and much more!*

*prizes are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash