American Red Cross

American Red Cross partners with Music Saves Lives to host second Omaha metro blood drives and offer free back-stage passes to The Vans Warped Tour

OMAHA, Neb. (June 9, 2008) – Music fans won’t have to wait in line for a chance at a back-stage pass to The Vans Warped Tour this summer if they’re willing to help save lives and give blood to the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross and Music Saves Lives (MSL) are partnering to help increase blood donations this spring and summer by offering presenting blood donors at participating blood drives a free VIP backstage pass to The Vans Warped Tour.

The second MSL concert blood drive in the Omaha metro will be on Thursday, June 26th at the Westside Community Conference Center and will feature a free concert by Little Brazil, Brad Hoshaw, Honeybee and Bartlett. The concert is sponsored by Lifenine Productions, 89.7 The River, and Wells Fargo.

Collecting blood during the summer months is often more difficult than during other times of the year. Colleges, universities and high schools, where up to 20 percent of the Red Cross’ blood donations come from, are not in session. By partnering with Music Saves Lives, the American Red Cross is providing these important blood donors a unique opportunity to help save lives by donating blood again during the spring and summer months and get VIP back-stage access to their favorite Vans Warped Tour bands.

WHAT: Music Saves Lives Concert Series and Blood Drive

WHEN: Thursday, June 26th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Westside Community Conference Center

3534 S. 108th St. Omaha, NE 68144

Upcoming Midwest Vans Warped Tour concert dates:

• 6/29 Denver, CO                     
• 7/1 St. Louis, MO          
• 7/2 Kansas City, KS       
• 7/31 Indianapolis, IN
• 8/1 Milwaukee, WI                    
• 8/2 Chicago, IL            
• 8/3 Shakopee, Minn.

Every presenting blood donor at participating blood drives will receive a VIP backstage pass to the Vans Warped Tour (note: a concert ticket will still need to be purchased).  Donors need to be at least 17 years old, 16 in Iowa and Nebraska with a signed Red Cross parental/guardian consent form, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health to donate. Eligible donors can call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or go online to givebloodgivelife.org for more information and to make a blood donation appointment.

About Music Saves Lives and The Vans Warped Tour

Music Saves Lives is the conduit between music, entertainment and important lifesaving causes that shares facts, educates and creates special events targeted to teens and young adults. Music Saves Lives works in partnership with The Vans Warped Tour, the longest running alternative music festival of its type in North America. It is an all day music festival geared toward young adults. Visit them online at www.musicsaveslives.com and www.vanswarpedtour.com.

About the American Red Cross

Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

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