A Service of WXXV FOX 25 10 April 2009, Friday DIG FOR DIAMONDS THE BLOOD CENTER INVITES GULF COAST RESIDENTS TO "DIG FOR DIAMONDS" AT EDGEWATER MALL Diamonds are normally a pricey purchase. However, this Easter weekend, real diamond jewelry could cost you only a little bit of your time! At The Blood Center's annual "Digging for Diamonds" blood drive, donors will be invited to "dig" for diamonds and other prizes donated by Edgewater merchants. Prizes include gift certificates and merchandise from Edgewater stores, and authentic diamond jewelry! All blood donors will also receive a Blood Center t-shirt, family blood coverage and a cholesterol check. The annual "Digging for Diamonds" blood drive will take place at Edgewater Mall, Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., near the carousel. In order to maintain a healthy and stable community blood supply, The Blood Center must collect between 300 to 350 pints of blood everyday. Donations typically drop during holiday weekends, yet there is always someone who needs blood. Donating blood is safe, simple and easy and just one pint can help to save up to three lives. Donors must be in good health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 17 years of age to donate blood. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthful meal and drink plenty of fluids before and after donating. Please remember to bring a picture I.D. The Blood Center is a non-profit community service organization serving over 30 hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout Southeastern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. The Blood Center is the sole provider of blood components to Biloxi Regional Medical Center, Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Hospital. For more information about the "Digging for Diamonds" Blood Drive or becoming a blood donor, please call The Blood Center at (800) 86-BLOOD or visit www.thebloodcenter.org. For more information, please contact or Pat Warfield, Coastal Region Supervisor, at (228) 249-9329 or pwarfield@thebloodcenter.org or Amanda Chittenden, Public Relations Manager, at (504) 593-1916 or achittenden@thebloodcenter.org. Easter Fun Run Barrel Race The Easter Fun Run Barrel Race will be returning to the Main Arena this year. The event will be a three-day barrel race with $7,000.00 added that will bring participants in from around the South. Starting time for the barrel race is Friday and Saturday 9:00 am and Sunday 11:00 am. Admission is free to the general public. For more information call 601-463-9111. For questions regarding this calendar, contact: Deidre Pyron Licensed To: WXXV Fox Television