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CHICAGO — Navy Pier will host the 8th annual ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, in the Aon Grand Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Blood supplies are dangerously low. Everyone who donates blood at Navy Pier will receive free all-day parking and a free ticket to the iconic 200-foot Centennial Wheel (valid through March 31). Donors will also receive an ABC7 T-shirt while supplies last. ABC7 meteorologist Cheryl Scott will broadcast from the Aon Grand Ballroom throughout the day.
“As the People’s Pier, Navy Pier is proud to partner with ABC7 and the American Red Cross in this effort to save the lives of so many people,” said Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner. “Hospitals and healthcare workers have faced so many difficulties throughout the pandemic, and this is one way that we can all do our part to alleviate some of that pressure.”
The Red Cross estimates that every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, but only 3 percent of the population donates. All blood types are needed, and a single blood donation can save more than one life.
In addition to Navy Pier, the ABC7 Great Chicago Blood drive will also be taking donations at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1800 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 12; and at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago, 1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg; Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159 St., Orland Park; and Foglia YMCA, 1025 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13.
Appointments are strongly encouraged at Redcrossblood.org Sponsor Code: ABC7Chicago. As required by the City of Chicago, donors will be required to wear a face mask while indoors.
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 typically welcoming nearly 9 million annual guests. 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 celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2021, Navy Pier continued to usher in its second century with ongoing Pier-wide redevelopment efforts—including Sable, a 223-room Hilton hotel, new restaurants and partnerships, and thrilling additions to Pier Park. The Pier is also proud to continue providing 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 the organization’s post-pandemic revival and free public programming. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.