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The Red Cross and VA Tech football 'teamed-up' for a very successful, fun day of community cooperative effort.  As a first-time offering, the Summer activity proved to be successful, with the 100-pint goal nearing, within an hour of the closing of the Lane Stadium West Side/American Red-Cross Blood Drive, at 5 p.m., Friday.

Spectacular views from the sixth floor of Lane Stadium's West-Side were enjoyed by all; many families came to take the comprehensive tour of Lane, including the 'box-seats/suites.' Ms. Debbie Harned, VT Alumnus, and her family, said, "this is a part of Va Tech that we are all enjoying; I love Va Tech and their efforts, such as the American Red Cross affiliation. Va Tech, it's the greatest!"
 
Tracy Bishop, Red Cross Regional Officer, teamed with Lu Merritt, Va Tech Facilities Administrator, to offer a unique event: the first Lane Stadium Summer event.  Merritt lead tours of West Lane Stadium, as Ms. Bishop coordinated aspects of the essential blood-drive.
 
Va Tech Football Head-Coach, Frank Beamer, made an afternoon visit after being a donor Friday morning.  As he displayed his donor-bandage, Coach Beamer said that it was "his pleasure to contribute to such a worthy cause."  Beamer visited several donors, and took time from his practice schedule to speak with several admirers, from several states.  He disappointed no one as they requested photos with him.
 
A Va Tech ACC 2007 Championship plaque, and a Frank Beamer autographed football, were awarded at the end of the busy day.
 
Chistina Mummau, a citizen of Montgomery Co. and '08 graduate of Auburn High School, came from Riner to donate, along

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“It's my first inclusive VT event,” Mummau said. “It helps me feel like a Hokie. I'm looking forward to my first year of classes.”
 
As Josh Stenzler, VT Mechanical Engineering Graduate School signed in, he said that he was giving back to a community that has given him so much. Va Tech's ROTC and service fraternities had active participants.

"We hope to slice the demographics within VA Tech, reaching all that want to help," Bishop said.
 
Renee' Brown, an eight-year volunteer, enjoyed having her photo taken with Coach Beamer. 

"It's all just so much fun," Brown said. 
 
Ms. Bishop said that donors could still participate soon in upcoming local events (please visit this web-link: bishoptm.usa.redcross.org). 

"Ken Clevenger is our 'goal-setter,' he is within two events of becoming a 24-gallon donor; he hopes to reach the goal by December,” Bishop boasted. “I am so pleased with the results.  So many had to squeeze their lunch breaks to become a participant.  It's just a joyous day.  Mr. Merritt has been wonderful, and Coach Beamer's visit, including donating, made the day special for so many.  I look forward to more events like this.  It's before the regular student influx, and gives local residents a chance for a rewarding day.  What a great day it has been! 
 
I would like to remind everyone that all donations are directed to the locale that the donor stipulates.  Our Montgomery Co./Floyd Co. association is the local chapter of the American Red Cross, even though I help coordinate the Appalachian Region's effort. We offer several classes, from CPR training, to general health classes.  Please visit our web-site.  I cannot give enough thanks to VA Tech and Mr. Merritt; what a great day!"
 

Comments (6)

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VT/Red Cross
written by citizenK, August 09, 2008

The VT/Red Cross event is an exemplary showing of community caring and giving. The donors gave, and VT and the Red Cross workers gave it their all. Share, give; it's our lives. A wonderful experience. Thanks to all.

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written by citizen, August 09, 2008

What a nice man.

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written by Harry Gravely, August 09, 2008

AGREED.........BEAMER IS THE MAN!!!!!!

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written by Gin Heavner, August 09, 2008

Now if only his character and genuine caring for others would rub off on a few of his players. Most of his players are great followers of his, but there are some really bad apples left.

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written by Beamer Supporter, August 09, 2008

AGREED!!!!!!! This area should say "Thanks" to Frank Beamer for being more than just a great football coach........we should honor the person as well.

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written by Jerry Simmons, August 09, 2008

Great pics. Truly shows Beamer to be the person he really is, and that is a person who lends his name and face to worthy causes everyday.

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