The Big Biscuit Sponsors Second Annual Blood Drive

By: The Big Biscuit | 0 Shares 75 Reads

January 10, 2024 // Franchising.com // PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS - The Big Biscuit® is sponsoring its second annual community blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the restaurant’s headquarters at 5215 W. 94th Terrace in Prairie Village. Community members are invited to join employees by signing up to give a pint of blood to benefit Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City.

Who: The Big Biscuit
What: Annual Blood Drive for Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City
When: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
Where: The Big Biscuit Headquarters, 5215 W. 94th Terrace, Prairie Village, Kan. 66207

“The community is invited to join our employees at our headquarters to give blood,” said The Big Biscuit President Chad Offerdahl. “It’s easy to give blood, and the Big Biscuit drive is a great way for people to get involved.”

More than 50 years ago, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation designating January as National Blood Donor Month. Giving blood is mostly done out of sight, so it’s out of mind until a national tragedy or shortage remind the public of the need.

“Community Blood Center consistently needs our help to keep blood supplies at a healthy level in our community,” Offerdahl said. “Getting into the habit of giving takes a small amount of time for individuals but could help save someone else’s life.”

“Hospitals in our community rely on the generosity of blood donors so that patients can receive the treatment they need,” said Community Blood Center Director of Public Relations Chelsey Smith. “Blood drive partners, like The Big Biscuit, are vital to our community’s public health and we’re grateful to save lives with them.”

Inspired by a brother’s donation commitment
Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City supplies 90% of the blood used by hospitals throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Offerdahl was further inspired to begin a blood drive through the example set by his younger brother Jay.

“Jay and I get coffee together every weekend and he mentioned a few times he was headed to an appointment to donate blood after our meeting. I said, ‘Man, you’re really doing this donation thing a lot,’ and Jay replied, ‘It’s an easy thing to do, like scheduling a yoga class, or anything else,” Offerdahl said. “I got started going with him. Then I heard The Big Biscuit could sponsor a blood drive and it seemed like the right thing to do. Together we can help increase the impact.”

Jay, a software engineer, began to regularly schedule his donations every eight weeks after giving his first pint of blood at age 16. His good health and rare blood type allow him to donate both whole blood and plasma. Now 29 years old, he has donated 37 times.

“To paraphrase a Greek proverb, a society grows great when old men plant trees that they know they will never sit in the shade of,” Jay said. “I may never sit in the shadow of the tree. But you never know if you’ll need a transfusion, and it is something I know other people need.”

Half of the donors who participated in The Big Biscuit’s 2023 blood drive were first-time donors. Jay’s advice is to relax: “The staff is very well trained, so there’s no reason to be anxious. They are experts who take care of you — and they give you snacks at the end!”

Now a family donation commitment
It will be a family affair in honor of National Blood Donor Month and Martin Luther King Day on Jan.15 as Chad, Jay, their father David Offerdahl, and Chad’s wife Emma roll up their sleeves alongside The Big Biscuit team and community members to give blood. The Big Biscuit will host coffee, conversations, and BONUTS®, the restaurant’s signature biscuit dipped in French toast batter, deep fried and tossed in powdered sugar.

The Big Biscuit elevates the guest experience by emphasizing top-quality comfort food freshly prepared with a twist. Dishes are served in generous portions with genuine hometown hospitality in a welcoming, family-friendly, and inclusive atmosphere. Launched in 2000, The restaurant’s enthusiastic team members deliver consistent, high-quality service in a welcoming, family-friendly, and inclusive atmosphere.

The Big Biscuit is open daily from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Private rooms are available for meetings and gatherings at no charge at select locations Monday-Friday. Diners can also reserve a table before arriving to their favorite Big Biscuit location with Get in Line.

SOURCE The Big Biscuit®

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