Kristin M. Crandall, Senior Account Manager for American Red Cross Blood Services, presents Stirpe with the Presidential Award of Excellence for his volunteer service and commitment to promoting the mission of the American Red Cross.
(Syracuse, NY – Oct. 2014) The American Red Cross presented Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) with its Presidential Award of Excellence in recognition of his volunteer work hosting blood drives and his efforts to promote the organization’s goals through the innovative use of social media.
“A blood donation can help save up to three lives, and while 38 percent of the population is eligible, less than 10 percent donate blood,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Tools like social media can play an important role in spreading awareness and information and encouraging people to make a donation.”
“The American Red Cross is proud to present the 2014 Presidential Award of Excellence—Revitalizing the Brand—to Assemblyman Al Stirpe. His dedication and commitment to helping patients who desperately need blood products is commendable,” said Kay E. Schwartz, CEO for the Red Cross New York-Penn Blood Services Region. “Assemblyman Stirpe successfully hosts blood drives and consistently engages with donors and potential donors on social media. His devotion to helping increase awareness about blood donation is worth imitating. The Red Cross congratulates Assemblyman Stirpe.”
The Presidential Awards of Excellence are presented to Red Cross volunteers who make significant contributions that advance the organization’s goals. Assemblyman Stirpe is being recognized for his efforts in “revitalizing” the Red Cross brand through the “creative and innovative usage of internal and external social media outlets, continuing to build presence and public confidence in all the Red Cross has to offer.”
This year, Stirpe hosted his 8th annual Lifesavers Blood Drive, collecting 122 units of blood for the Red Cross. Since the event first began, the annual drive has collected 860 units of blood. The drive is held in honor of Stirpe’s father who hosted blood drives in the Village of Clyde for over 20 years. Each year, Stirpe’s blood drives feature prizes, live music and refreshments to help attract greater participation. They are also promoted on Facebook, Twitter and the New York State Assembly website, as well as through blogs, press releases and columns in local newspapers.