Blood donors get free Milwaukee Brewers tickets

MILWAUKEE -- Baseball fans with a warm heart made their way to Miller Park to give complete strangers a priceless gift. More than 700 people showed up to the BloodCenter of Wisconsin's 11th Annual Big League Blood Drive.

The drive was an effort to boost blood donations going into the Labor Day weekend, when the need for blood tends to increase. Just one donation can help up to three people.

"When I hear people talk to me that their son was saved by a platelet donation or it affected someone so much in a positive way -- that`s all you need to know," blood donor Bill Brackman said.

A BloodCenter of Wisconsin official said the Center needs 800 donors every day in order to meet the needs of hospitals the Center serves.

"We are the sole provider of blood to Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals," Fay Spano with the BloodCenter of Wisconsin said.

As a special thank you to those who came out to donate, all donors received a voucher for a pair of Milwaukee Brewers tickets.

"I confess I was sort of motivated by the tickets. It`s time to do it, but it`s like 'well, it`s the perfect day to come to the ballpark and give blood and get a couple of tickets too,'" blood donor Shannon Noonan said.

Although the tickets were a nice incentive, most donors say they are motivated by their compassion for others.

"It`s like giving one of the nicest gifts you can give," blood donor Robert Schreihart said.

"It`s the only place we get blood is from people. If you don`t donate and you need it, then you`re out of luck. We`re all out of luck," Noonan said.

Due to the strong turn-out at the Big League Blood Drive, the BloodCenter of Wisconsin is extending the event. On Thursday, August 30th they will be at State Fair Park from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and then Serb Hall from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

To donate, you need to be 17 years of age or older, in general good health with a photo ID. Those 16 years of age can donate with parental consent.

CLICK HERE for additional information from the BloodCenter of Wisconsin website.