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CHICAGO – Navy Pier is hosting its third blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pier’s Food Experience following two successful blood drives in May. This event kicks off an important week for the Pier, as Chicago’s iconic destination moves into Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Wednesday, June 10. As always, the Pier is proud to continue 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. Those interested in participating in the upcoming blood drive can schedule an appointment here. Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
As a token of gratitude, Navy Pier will be distributing complimentary Centennial Wheel tickets and branded cooler bags to everyone who attempts to donate. The Pier will also host a raffle with gifts from on-site establishments. On behalf of the American Red Cross, all who attempt to donate will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card.
Navy Pier’s two prior drives occurred on May 4 and May 20, and both exceeded the Red Cross’ Power Red collection goal, as well as welcomed more than 200 donors in total. As part of the ongoing partnership, the Pier has featured the Red Cross logo on the Centennial Wheel hub and distributed complimentary ride tickets to everyone who attempted to donate, along with branded cooler bags and handwritten notes of gratitude. The Pier thanks its on-site establishments who have contributed with a “Navy Pier & Partners” prize package raffle, masks provided by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, refreshments provided by Completely Nuts and more.
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 was closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16 based on the city and state guidelines and to continue to help curb the COVID-19 outbreak. Navy Pier will look to reopen in phases and safely welcome guests back starting Wednesday, June 10. Please click here to view Navy Pier’s full reopening plan. 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.