This week, the Rotary Club of Edmond is sponsoring a blood drive. In cooperation with the Oklahoma Blood Institute, the Rotary Club of Edmond is encouraging its members this week to donate blood, to get someone else to donate blood, or to do both.

    Blood donations are being accepted at the Oklahoma Blood Institute’s Edmond Donor Center, which is located at 3409 South Broadway. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

    When you make your blood donation, please make certain to mention you are doing so as part of the Rotary Club of Edmond blood drive. The blood drive is this week only. Of course, your donation of blood will be gratefully accepted at any time. But, to be a part of our Club’s blood drive, the donation must come no later than this coming Saturday, May 21.

    According to the website of the Oklahoma Blood Institute, “there is no substitute for human blood and supplies must be constantly renewed.” There’s more: “Patients need blood 365 days-a-year, whether it’s for scheduled treatments or for emergencies. The Oklahoma Blood Institute provides every drop of blood needed by patients in some 150 medical facilities across the state.”

    If your blood type is O-negative, your donation is especially helpful: “Although all blood types are needed, people with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. Only nine percent of the national population has O-negative blood; however, O-negative blood can be used in an emergency need when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.”

    My family has benefitted from some person’s donation of blood. We don’t know who donated the blood, but we are thankful for it.

    If you’ve never donated blood before, now would be a great time to do so. It’s easy to do. And, as an added bonus – Edmond Rotarians who donate this week may count that as a meeting make-up.

Hal Smith Speaks to the Rotary Club of Edmond

    Our special guest this week at the Rotary Club of Edmond is Hal Smith of Hal Smith Restaurant Group. Founded in 1992, Hal Smith Restaurant Group is a restaurant management company that operates 10 concepts in 7 states with over 40 locations. It employs more than 4,000 workers and the numbers continue to grow.

    You will recognize some of the leading restaurants in the metropolitan area. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Redrock Canyon Grill, Ted’s Café Escondido, Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza, Toby Keith’s, and Louie’s Grill & Bar are just some of Hal Smith Restaurant Group’s offerings.

    Please welcome Hal Smith to the Rotary Club of Edmond.

    Andy