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CHICAGO – Following a successful blood drive on Monday, May 4, Navy Pier is teaming up with the American Red Cross once again to host a second drive on Wednesday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pier’s Food Experience. While Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination remains closed through the statewide stay-at-home order amidst the ongoing pandemic, the Pier is proud to utilize its large open space to support the Red Cross’ initiative to help boost community health efforts and encourage blood donations from healthy individuals during these challenging and uncertain times.
Monday’s event drew 100 generous donors, producing 94 productive units and exceeding the Red Cross’ Power Red collection goal for this drive. As part of the partnership, the Pier featured the Red Cross logo on the Centennial Wheel hub and distributed complimentary ride tickets to donors, along with branded cooler bags and handwritten notes of gratitude. Additionally, Chicago Shakespeare Theater provided 150 face masks as part of their ongoing “Masks for Faces and Noses” project in partnership with UIC’s College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts. Completely Nuts, one of the Pier’s on-site establishments, also provided snacks and refreshments for donors.
The May 20 drive will also include free Centennial Wheel tickets for everyone who attempts to donate, along with a “Navy Pier & Partners” prize package raffle, which can be redeemed for complimentary experiences at select on-site establishments when the Pier reopens. Those interested in participating in the second blood drive can schedule an appointment here. Slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
City-wide, the Pier joins Guaranteed Rate Field, the Field Museum, Steppenwolf Theater and the Chicago Cubs as host institutions for Chicago Red Cross blood drives. Navy Pier’s participation and partnership with the American Red Cross serves as a nod to the Pier’s history and aligns with its longstanding mission and values. During World War I, the Pier served as a temporary home for military personnel, soldiers and the Red Cross. As a mission-driven organization and iconic Chicago destination, the People’s Pier is proud to continue doing its part to serve and support the local community, especially during this time of need.
Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood supply is constant. As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter-in-place declarations. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.
As a result of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Illinois’ statewide stay-at-home order, Navy Pier is closed to the public through Saturday, May 30 based on the revised city and state guidelines and to continue to help curb the COVID-19 outbreak. Please note, this date may change again as the situation remains fluid and the Pier continues to follow the guidance of local government and public health officials. Please click here to view Navy Pier’s official COVID-19 statement. For more information, please visit www.navypier.org.
PHOTOS: Navy Pier Blood Drive | Credit: Navy Pier
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top nonprofit tourism destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming nearly 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2020, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including a 220-room Hilton hotel with a year-round rooftop bar, Offshore (now open), and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. Click here to donate to Navy Pier, a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization, in support of free public programs. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.
Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
About Navy Pier
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder.
Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2022, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.