Sign In

Past Recipients 

For the last eleven years, Fenwal has partnered with blood centers through the Donation Hall of Fame to honor individuals for their outstanding dedication and commitment to helping ensure that the life-saving gift of blood is available to patients in need.

We invite you to nominate a donor or another individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and passion for blood donation. Anyone can submit a nomination and there is no limit to the number of nominations per blood center. However, a person may only be inducted into the Donation Hall of Fame once.

expand 2008
Clark Patterson
American Red Cross
New York-Penn Region
Clark Patterson’s involvement in blood donation began in 1942, when he went door to door, recruiting blood donors for the war effort at the request of his Boy Scout leader. He began donating blood 9 years later when he turned 21. Now he gives an apheresis donation every 2 weeks and encourages others to do the same. He says, “Knowing what I do goes directly to a person who needs it, gives me the incentive to keep my appointments.”
Don Bryant
LifeShare Blood Centers
Alexandria, Louisiana
What do homemade holiday treats, wooden toys, Penzoil blood drives, and 638 units of blood have in common? They’ve all been brought to LifeShare, compliments of Don Bryant. Don is dedicated to giving and sharing life with countless others and has been donating blood, platelets, or plasma for 58 years.
Donna Smith
Robertson Blood Center, CRDAMC
Fort Hood, Texas
A donor and tireless volunteer, Donna Smith has used her personal and vacation time from work to organize countless blood drives that support our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. These donations have a direct impact on saving lives and limbs. A daughter of a veteran and a mother of a Texas National Guardsman deployed to Iraq in 2002, Donna constantly inspires and motivates others to give.
Ernest Franco
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey, California
Ernest Franco’s stats rival those of pro athletes. He has donated 142 whole blood units, 20 red blood cell doubles, and has served on the local chapter of the American Red Cross. In the past 2 years alone, he’s organized 5 successful blood drives with nearly 100 first-time donors.
James E. Fox
American Red Cross
Farmington, Connecticut
Selfless and dedicated, Fox began donating blood in 1957 and has been donating apheresis every 2 weeks since the 1970s. Today he’s accumulated 776 units of platelets and 10 gallons of whole blood. He also led a successful campaign to upgrade the donor entertainment system and contacted the local video store for 2 free movies a week.
John Gordon
Shasta Blood Center
Redding, California
Incredible generosity and great veins — John Gordon personifies this winning combination. He has been donating to the Shasta Blood center for 24 years, contributing 50 whole blood and 470 apheresis donations — most of which were double or triple products. He has also been instrumental in training new staff on the various apheresis machines.
Joseph Rudy Salinas
American Red Cross
Pasadena, California
As a former American Red Cross employee and committed donation advocate, Rudy Salinas embodies a spirit of dedication. He’s faithfully donated 484 units of platelets and takes every opportunity to speak in English and Spanish on behalf of the American Red Cross at Sunday services, lodges, clubs, schools, and even local public television.
Larry Cloos
Bonfils Blood Center
Denver, Colorado
“Time is the most precious resource we have. If you give someone one more day, that’s the greatest gift of all,” says Larry Cloos. Larry began donating blood with his dad when he was just 16 and now donates platelets 24 times a year. In fact, he recently became a 50-gallon blood donor.
Perry C. McGriff Jr.
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
Gainesville, Florida
Inspired by long-distance bicycle rider Larry Frederick, Perry McGriff pitched the idea of the “Five Points of Life Ride” to LifeSouth — now a national program creating awareness about the benefits of 5 lifesaving donations. At 71, Perry has been involved in all 6 cross-country rides, helping to carry the “You can save a life” message. As a blood and apheresis donor, Perry has now topped the 51-gallon mark.
Ray Holtz
Carter BloodCare
Bedford, Texas
“When you give blood, you make a difference in someone’s life,” says Ray Holtz. Ray should know. He’s been giving blood and platelets for the past 34 years, recently surpassing 81 gallons of platelets by his 81st birthday. He’s also logged close to 4,000 hours, volunteering at blood drives and community events.
JH Von Tunglen
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region
An outstanding volunteer, JH Von Tunglen has logged more than 4,950 volunteer hours for Blood Services at his regional medical center and worked at many mobile blood drives throughout Jefferson County, greeting donors with a warm welcome and a big smile. He and his wife Jeanette have also coordinated many blood drives. JH is indeed a volunteer hero “making a difference” by helping to save lives.
Ray Gavin
American Red Cross
Portland, Maine
Neither rain, nor sleet — not even Maine snowstorms — can prevent Ray Gavin from donating platelets 24 times a year. With a smile on his face, a good book in hand, and soft-spoken words of wisdom on his lips, Ray has achieved 500 platelet donations.
expand 2007
Dick and Sylvia Burnett
United Blood Services
Lubbock, TX
Nicknamed the ''platelet couple'' by the United Blood Services, the Burnett's came to understand the importance of donating when their daughter battled, then lost her life to leukemia. Dick and Sylvia still donate every 2 weeks, and spread their happiness and good will with their friends at the blood center with cookies and valentines.
Hugo Holland, Sr.
LifeShare Blood Centers
Shreveport, LA
Hugo is the ''go-to-guy'' for blood donations. His long-term, consistent passion for saving lives through blood donation is evident in his actions and support through the years. As the blood drive chairman at his church since 1999, he has helped to increase the annual number of blood drives and donations. He recruits and schedules ALYX donors, buys food and cooks for donors, and still has time to donate more than 350 times himself.
Loretta Feiler
East Central Oklahoma Blood Institute
Ada, OK
Since donating in front of her 6th grade students for the first time in 1997, Loretta has continued to educate young people about the importance of not only blood donation, but of their commitment to the community. She has shown all of her students how they can personally impact the lives of others. And even though the 6th graders can't donate, they raise money for the blood center, and are preparing to be the next generation of donor heroes.
Robert Bruner
Blood Bank of Delmarva
Newark, DE
When Robert was in the hospital for 2 months after being in a serious motorcycle accident, he received 14 pints of blood. A whole blood donor already, he was determined to get healthy and replace every pint he had used, and has done so through over 190 platelet donations.
Scott Cox
Houchin Blood Bank
Bakersfield, CA
Scott is a faithfull blood donor of nearly 4 gallons as well as a local DJ with KERN 1410 Talk Radio. He never fails to support his local blood center by reaching his listners and delivering a serious message with compelling compassion. He speaks at High School Appreciation Luncheons and is proud to support Houchin Blood Bank.
Susan Conklin-Miller
Lane Memorial Blood Bank
Eugene, OR
Susan knows only too well what the gift of blood can do for somebody in need. After a difficult pregnancy and the loss of her baby she knew she wanted to help others. With her specific blood type, she is able to help other mothers and babies by donating on a regular basis. Her commitment has led her to over 100 donations to Lane Memorial Blood Bank and a spotlight in their recruitment video.
expand 2006
Amber Swartz
American Red Cross
Heart of America Region
''I'm so proud to be a blood donor. I think if someone is able to give blood, then they should.''
Jerry Spellman
LifeSource - Chicagoland's Blood Center
Chicago, IL
''I feel like I'm contributing. I like activities that teach students about life. I like to see people that I've helped helping others.''
Judy Kees
American Red Cross - Tri-City Donor Center
Richland, WA
''My family is my biggest motivator to share the hope with people in my community. I truly believe in the gift of life through blood donations.''
Lee Holloway
UBS - Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley
''After 11 years of fighting, cancer finally won the battle with my wife. Even though my primary inspiration is now gone, I realize the need is still great and it is heartwarming to hear the stories that are still out there.''
Mark Smith
Virginia Blood Services
''I like sponsoring blood drives. Giving blood is gender, income, and race neutral and the need is constant.''
Rocky Snow
American Red Cross
Springfield, MA
''I love coming to the donation center every other Tuesday. It's truly a family that I fell a part of.''
Vance Buell
Lane Memorial Blood Bank
''Thanks to Lane Memorial Blood Bank, our daughter Holly received the necessary treatment in 1998 to remain alive. It is my pleasure to now help you.''
expand 2005
Earl Tanner and Family
United Blood Services of Reno
Reno, NV
Earl Tanner leads by example. As a Marine in the Pacific theater during WWII, Earl saw first hand the need for blood donation and when he returned home, it just seemed a natural to become a blood donor. His wife Leila followed his lead, and together they inspired their children, and even their grandchildren to make regular blood donations a part of life. The Tanner Family, stretched across Louisiana and Texas, have a total of 542 donations--enough blood to fill a 55-gallon drum. Earl thinks his children keep giving because they want to beat his record 27 gallons. He hopes everyone will continue to give ''because there is such a great need for donations, and it doesn't hurt or take any time at all.''
George and Dan Kimm
Donor at Houchin Community Blood Bank
Bakersfield, CA
True blood brothers, George and Dan Kimm together have donated more than 39 gallons of blood, 27 units of platelets and countless volunteer hours at the Houchin Community Blood Bank. They began donating early, and it became part of their lives, extending to George's three sons and Dan's two daughters as well. ''It's one way to help your fellow man and it's a commodity that's badly needed and irreplaceable right now,'' says George Kimm, who began his life of giving during the birth of his first child. Adds Dan Kimm: ''The only people who can provide the blood supply is human beings, so if everyone stopped donating, we'd really be in trouble. This is something nobody likes to do, but I don't mind needles and taking blood out.'' Both retired, they continue to give and modestly downplay their generous contribution to the community. ''Others deserve this honor more, there are a lot of other people who are spending more time and making greater sacrifices than we are. As you get older, you appreciate people who make sacrifices quietly!'' says George.
John Kilbuck
American Red Cross
Northern California
Retirement means a life of leisure for some; for 85-year-old John Kilbuck, it's meant having the time to donate platelets every other Monday morning for the past 15 years to the Pleasant Hill Blood Center. Some 320 donations later, John is known as a shining star at the American Red Cross Northern California Region, and well deserving of a place in the Fenwal Donation Hall of Fame. Having made his first donation 65 years earlier for a friend's father in need of a transfusion, he's always been aware of the value of blood donation. ''I can't spend my time any better than I can when making a blood donation,'' he says. ''It takes so little and it's the most satisfying thing I can do. Prospective donors should know that the pleasure one gets from helping far outweighs the minor discomfort and time spent.'' In fact, although very pleased with his induction into the Hall of Fame, he says: ''I get as much pleasure from making one donation as I have with this honor.''
Jim Vliet
Community Blood Services of Illinois
As a man with a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, Jim Vliet knows full well the value of giving from the heart. The man known as Santa comes to the blood center with a pocket full of candy canes and the time to donate platelets or whole blood. A fixture on the blood center's holiday cards and PSAs, he uses his Santa-like demeanor to remind everyone, in the spirit of the holidays, to help those less fortunate. Since first donating in 1956 to help a friend who was in a serious accident, Jim has become increasingly involved at Community Blood Services, both as a multi-gallon donor, and as a member of the center's Regional Blood Center Committee, providing a constant supply of ideas on how to increase awareness of the need for blood in the community. Small wonder that by this point, ''the staff are like family.'' ''I donate for many reasons,'' says Jim. ''It's easy for me to do and many times my blood type is in short supply. It's the most unselfish thing you can do for others, the gift of life is too precious to keep to yourself.''
Rodney Ford
Oklahoma Blood Institute
Rodney Ford always goes the extra mile to recruit new donors and share the gift of life. For more than 20 years, he has regularly donated blood or apheresis, volunteers at local blood drives and has logged thousands of miles on his bicycle for the opportunity to show just how much he believes in sharing life. In fact, Rodney is the only cyclist to complete all five of LifeSouth's Five Points of Life Rides, which raises awareness for the need for safe, ample blood supplies. His advice to new donors: ''It is so important for a healthy person to give blood because your body replenishes it so quickly it is like a check up and oil change.'' Rodney says it is an honor to be noticed for something so important: ''To me giving blood is so simple. Like riding my bicycle, giving blood doesn't cost me anything. I am blessed with good health and this is a simple way for me to help people with a great need.''
Steven Hinsch
Lane Memorial Blood Bank
Eugene, OR
Having passed up the chance to donate blood for an ailing grandparent when he was young, Steven Hinsch has more than compensated for his youthful thoughtlessness ever since. Twice a month, every month, for the past 13 years, he donates platelets at the Athens Donor Center in Georgia, becoming a member of the VIP Donor Club. But even that amount of dedicated time doesn't begin to tell Steven's commitment to platelet donation. As an Athens Clark County government worker, he attends almost every blood drive to talk about the critical need for platelets, serves as blood drive coordinator for his department, and promotes platelet donation every Friday on his radio call in show, urging listeners to go the Athens Donor Center with a cheery ''Tell them Steve sent you!'' He'll continue to give for many reasons, including ''a sense of community, to be a positive role model and to help someone less fortunate.'' He prefers to donate to a general fund--''it's an anonymity thing'' and urges potential blood donors to consider ''becoming one of the elite few able to make a difference. The selfless act you are considering is the essential part of a life saving, potentially life altering event. For those of us who can, donating blood products gives you a feeling that is rarely captured otherwise.''
expand 2004
Bernard Brule
''Barnie, a lifesaver and a friend, has been donating at our hospital for over 50 years. He is very dependable and we can count on him to donate whenever we call'' - Jennifer Niden, Medical Technologist at Caritas Norwood Hospital.
Don Weinmeister
''When I was president of the Lion's Club, I started by promoting one blood drive per year. With the involvement and great interest of the community we now have a drive every 56 day! This is a great way to serve our fellow mankind.''
George Harper
''To BloodSource and to the community, George Harper is a donor, a volunteer and a friend. He not only donates an exceptional amount of blood to patients in need, but thousands of volunteer hours for BloodSource, Shriner's club, Shriner's Hospital for Children and through active participation in the Chamber of Commerce'' - Leslie Botos, Director of Public Affairs at BloodSource.
Harry Geller
''What good is blood if you do not share it? After donating blood I get a sense of instant gratification knowing that someone will benefit.''
Nick Staszak and Celeste Sanchez
''We are very excited to be part of the next generation of donors to promote blood donation. We really hope our experience will reach out to others to make a difference in the world.''
Richard Landtiser
''Richard became aware of the need for platelet donors and the difficulty recruiting for platelet apheresis. He felt it was a way he could best help. As well as being a very dedicated donor, he was an active volunteer in his community contributing more that 7,000 hours helping others. His outstanding achievements of service to his community will never be forgotten'' - Community Blood Center.
Tommie Jurek
''I have cerebral palsy and am still able to donate blood without feeling any different. It allows me to have some hand in helping someone else.''
expand 2003
Dave Horton
Lane Memorial Blood Bank
Eugene, OR
'When I found out that a specific person was receiving my platelets, it gave a face to the need and made my giving even more important.'
Ethel Bontrager
Donor at DeGowin Blood Center
Iowa City, IA
'In all of life I really like to reach out and help people. It's a very easy thing to do and it is one way of showing your appreciation for your good health.'
John and Judy McCauley
Shasta Blood Center of Blood Centers of the Pacific Redding
Pacific Redding, CA
'John and I moved to Oregon a few years ago, but still made the 2 ½ hour drive to Shasta Blood Center to donate because we were so close to the people there. We have been donating there for 28 years and going there is like visiting family.' - Judy McCauley 'Donating blood is one of the best things you can do to help someone else. I wish that everyone that could donate would - they could help a lot of people.' - John McCauley
Jeff Smith and Theta Xi Fraternity
Georgia Institute of Technology Donors at American Red Cross
Atlanta, GA
'A big reason I started to donate, was because my dad was a donor. I've donated so much now, that I consider it my responsibility. I enjoy doing it and encourage others to donate by saying it doesn't take that long and it's a really great thing to do. It's become contagious now!.'
Mary Jane Bostedt
American Red Cross
Green Bay, WI
'I became a donor because I just wanted to help people. I knew blood was needed. I've got plenty and I thought I would give it to help people that need it.'
Ronald Mathison
Memorial Blood Centers
Minneapolis, MN
'Donating is the easiest thing you can do and you feel good afterwards because you know you're doing something to help someone. It's part of my social life. I drive 58 miles each way to donate at the center. I know everyone there and like to visit with them.'
expand 2002
Cecil Boone
American Red Cross
Roanoke, VA
'It is everyone's duty to help your fellow man. It doesn't cost anything, but a little time, and you are helping someone.'
Dallas Lincks
LifeShare Blood Centers
Shreveport, LA
'I have it and people need it. I hope someone else would do the same thing for me if I needed it.'
George Taylor
Shasta Blood Center
Redding, CA
'Donor George Taylor lives in a rural mountain community and drives the hour-long trip in all kinds of weather, including snow! George cares deeply about the kind of patients that get his special product and he treats our staff like family.'
Jimmy Mehaffey
ARC Columbus Donor Center
Columbus, GA
'Blood is a necessary product for life. I'm happy to be able to assist another fellow human being. It's a great feeling knowing you've helped another person.'
Richard Blackburn
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, MO
'Our three year old son, DJ, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in 1982. During his therapy, we were faced with many instances where we had no choices regarding his care. I see my pheresis and bone marrow donations as giving families options in treatment that they might not otherwise have.'
Tony DeGirolamo
San Pedro Peninsula Hospital
San Pedro, CA
'Each one of us may have had a different turning point in our lives, when we began to be a giver - a disaster, a loss in the family - mine was both. In 1956 my family of seven survived the Andrea Doria sea disaster. I started to donate blood because I needed to thank the Lord for sparing our lives.'
expand 2001
Cecil N. Hall
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
Houston, TX
'I know the value of donating blood and can go at my leisure. There is a need for it in our community.'
James A Lowry
American Red Cross Blood Services - Tennessee Valley Region
Nashville, TN
'Donating blood doesn't hurt, doesn't take long and you may save a life!'
Linda Skidmore
Sacramento Medical Foundation
Sacramento, CA
'Donating blood doesn't hurt and it helps others. You've got it and someone else needs it!'
Marcelino Diaz
Community Blood Bank
Rancho Mirage, CA
'Donating blood makes me feel like I'm contributing to the community. I give something that is precious and can't be bought. I am saddened that more people don't donate.'
Major Alfred E. Lounsbury
Memorial Blood Centers of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
'I heard about the need for blood and thought I'd give it a try. It didn't hurt so I got in the habit. It's a very good feeling to be helping humanity.'
Russell A. Harrison
American Red Cross Blood Services - Greater Alleghenies Region
Johnstown, PA
'I started giving blood in honor of my mother. She had leukemia and needed transfusions every 56 days. Two days before she passed away, she told me to keep giving blood. It may not have saved her life, but it might help save others.'
expand 2000
Clarence Ledbetter
Oklahoma Blood Institute
Oklahoma City, OK
'Donating platelets is one of the best things a person can do to help someone else. It is a privilege to be involved with helping patients in need.'
Dr. Leonard Naeger
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, MO
'A child who received my platelets drew me a picture of a sun and rainbow and wrote 'Thank you for caring.' That picture has been on my desk since the early 1980s and inspires me to keep donating.'
Gerald Matteson
American Red Cross North Central Blood Services
St. Paul, MN
'Donating platelets is very simple, very relaxing and the people are very nice. If you can do it, why not? You can give life to someone else.'
Jessie Dishman
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
Springfield, MO
'When people start giving excuses about not donating, I say this, 'When you know that people's lives are depending on you, you just do it!'
Joe Miranda
American Red Cross West Covina Donor Center
West Covina, CA
'If someone in your family needed platelets, you would donate them, but what if you couldn't? If you would do it for your immediate family, why not do it for others? It is a simple, easy way to help people in need and give others a second chance at life.'
T. Claude Davis
American Red Cross Greater Alleghenies Region
Johnstown, PA
'The satisfaction that I get from donating makes it really worthwhile.'
expand 1999
Bill Hall
Memorial Blood Centers of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
'Donating blood is a way for me to share my God-given gift of good health with someone who needs it.'
Eva Eckmann
Blood Bank of Alaska
Anchorage, AK
'I became a regular donor in 1971 after I received information on donating from the blood center. Once I start something, I stay with it.'
George H. Klinkerfuss, M.D.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
Springfield, MO
'When I was in medical school, the local hospital would pay $25 for a unit of blood. I started donating every six weeks; using the money to help pay for school. Afterwards, I saw the need and kept donating.'
Jim Roberts
Stanford Medical School Blood Center
Palo Alto, CA
'Being inducted into the Whole Blood Hall of Fame gives me a sense of satisfaction. Not only do I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped hundreds of patients, but I also have the satisfaction of knowing that it is appreciated.'
Richard A. Playter
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Blood Center
Houston, TX
'I was in high school during WWII and there were not enough blood donors. Donating blood was something I could do to help the war effort.'
William L. Painter
Community Blood Center
Kansas City, MO
'I'd encourage everyone to donate. It seems like a logical thing to do. I really don't know why more people don't donate, as simple as it is to do.'
expand 1998
C. Carroll Burley
American Red Cross - South Carolina Region
Columbia, SC
'Charles Burley was not only one of the first apheresis donors in South Carolina, he has proven to be one of the most dedicated and committed. He has served on several advisory committees and has helped promote the program throughout the community.'
Frank Woodall
American Red Cross - Monroe Drive Blood Center
Atlanta, GA
'The need is still greater than the number of donors. Anyone who is in good health should donate. It's a piece of cake. '
Dr. James Nohe
American Red Cross - NY-Penn Region
Buffalo, NY
'Apheresis donation is a natural thing to do and a wonderful way to help people with just a bit of your time. I'll do it as long as they'll take me!'
Marcus Hulings
Oklahoma Blood Institute
Oklahoma City, OK
'As soon as my sons turned 17, they became apheresis donors. Like me, they also donate every two weeks.'
Paul Michels
Hoxworth Blood Center
Cincinnati, OH
'In my early years, I donated for young Hemophilia patients because I had nothing else to give. In my middle years, my wife and I had been blessed with six healthy children and that was more than reason enough to continue to donate. I now continue to donate because I'm quite thankful for the good health that makes my donating possible for cancer patients of all ages.'
Scott Routhier
American Red Cross - New England Region
Portland, ME
'I'm able to donate doubles and I consider that a blessing, because I can make double the impact. It's a way to help people fight a disease like cancer... more personal than giving money.'
© Fenwal, Inc., Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA