A blood drive created in the wake of one of Fairport’s most heartbreaking tragedies will return next week, marking 15 years of community members rolling up their sleeves to help others.
The annual Fairport Angels Blood Drive will take place June 18 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the St. John of Rochester Gymnasium on Wickford Way in Fairport. Organizers say a single blood donation can save up to three lives.
The event honors the memory of Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat and Katie Shirley, known throughout the community as the Fairport Angels. The five young women died on June 26, 2007, just days after graduating from Fairport High School.
This year’s drive marks the 19th anniversary of their deaths and the 15th year of the blood donation event established by their families. Organizers say the annual gathering helps keep the women’s memories alive while providing a meaningful service to others in need.
Those eligible to donate are encouraged to consider making a Power Red donation if they have Type O, B-negative or A-negative blood. Red blood cells remain the most commonly transfused blood component, according to organizers.
In addition to supporting local and regional blood supplies, the event serves as a yearly opportunity for friends, family members and community residents to come together in remembrance. An annual scholarship in memory of the five women is also awarded through the Fairport Dollars for Scholars program.
Organizers encourage prospective donors to complete their pre-donation health history and screening information before arriving to reduce wait times and streamline the donation process.
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