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STAMFORD, Conn. Anyone who has struggled to get people to participate in an event should take a cue from Jodi Gutierrez and make it a competition. Thats what she did with the Fairfield County Property Manager and Landlord Blood Drive Challenge.
About six years ago, the American Red Cross approached Gutierrez, on-site property manager of High Ridge Park Corporate Center, to have a blood drive at High Ridge Park. But attendance was low the first year, prompting Gutierrez to get creative. She decided to have a few Stamford property managers compete.
It really became a fun event, and something people now look forward to, Gutierrez said. After a few years, Gutierrez, the Red Cross and the other participants expanded the challenge to include other towns in Fairfield County.
Last years challengewon by Greenwich Town Hall collected 337 pints of blood, enough to help more than 1,000 patients, according to a press release. While the winning location receives a plaque, the Red Cross is the real winner because it is able to help more people.
With their help and the donations of the participants, we hope to help to make the difference in the lives of patients, Elaine St. Peter, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Connecticut Blood Services Region, said of the competing properties.
The first location this year was High Ridge Park, which held its blood drive June 2. The event runs through the summer and ends in mid-August. The remaining blood drives are: RFR Realty of Stamford, July 25; Greenwich Plaza of Greenwich, Aug. 2; Carters USA of Norwalk, Aug. 3, and Reckson of Stamford, Aug. 16.
All of the blood drives are open to the public.
What strategies have you used to get people to participate in an event? Share your ideas and experiences below or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo at tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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