Community Spotlight: Roy Richards Inducted Into Donation Hall of Fame

Roy Richards

BRADENTON – In 1947, Roy Richards began donating blood whenever the bloodmobile would visit his workplace in Wisconsin. Soon after, Roy decided that the bloodmobile did not come around frequently enough so he began to travel to the Milwaukee Donor Center, where he could donate more often. When new technologies revolutionized blood banking, Roy eagerly converted to being a platelet donor and was among the pioneers of automated collection donors.

In 2001, Roy and his wife, Sylvia, moved to Sarasota, Florida, where he continued to share his gift of life by donating platelets 24 times a year. Roy is now 85 years young and through the years has shared over 145 gallons of whole blood and platelets. His 66 years of giving is a real legacy to living and this amazing lifesaver certainly is not done yet.

In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to blood donation, Roy will be inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fenwal, Inc. The ceremony will take place from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 31 at the Lakewood Ranch Donor Center (11161 East State Road 70, Bradenton). Donor and blood recipients are invited to attend, and refreshments and food will be served.

Donation Hall of Fame Induction

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, October 31

Lakewood Ranch Donor Center

11161 East State Road 70

Bradenton, FL  34202

Donors & blood recipients are invited to attend.

Refreshments & food will be served.

Blood centers across the country submitted nominations for this year’s Donation Hall of Fame. Winners were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation. Each winner will receive a personalized award from Fenwal and will be featured in the company’s 2014 product-dating calendar they provide to U.S. blood centers. 

Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion in the US. Blood donations profoundly affect the lives of patients in our community. In many cases one donation could impact or even save the lives of three patients. Generally, healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. For more information about donating blood, center locations and hours, go to www.oneblood.org.