The Anaheim Arsenal Are "Going for the Big Assist" to Support the American Red Cross

ORANGE COUNTY (12/25/2007)(readMedia)-- The Anaheim Arsenal and the American Red Cross invite fans and Orange County residents to help save lives by donating blood at the 1st Annual “Going for the Big Assist” blood drive held at Red Cross blood donor centers in Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Laguna Hills and Santa Ana, January 2 through January 9, 2008. Everyone who donates blood at any of the “Going for the Big Assist” blood drive locations (see list below) will receive a free ticket to the January 11, 2008 Anaheim Arsenal vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders game. Appointments for the blood drive can be made by logging on to www.socalredcross.org or by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543). Walk-in appointments are also accepted. Anaheim Arsenal players will be at the Fullerton donor center Monday, January 7, 5 p.m., to sign autographs and greet blood donors. A photo ID is required to donate blood.

The Anaheim Arsenal are proud to support the Red Cross by hosting the 1st Annual “Going for the Big Assist” blood drive,” says Shu Muthyala, account executive with the Anaheim Arsenal. “We encourage all our fans to join us in this slam-dunk effort to help ensure there will be enough blood available for the hundreds of patients in our communities who need blood and blood products to survive accidents, heart transplants, sickle cell anemia treatments and other ailments.”

“GOING FOR THE BIG ASSIST BLOOD DRIVES”

Fountain Valley Donor Center 17800 New Hope Avenue -- Wed., January 2, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., January 5, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 pm Mon., January 7, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wed., January 9, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Fullerton Donor Center 1144 Rosecrans Ave. -- Thurs., January 3, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., January 5, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mon., January 7, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tues., January 8, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Laguna Hills Donor Center 22971 Mill Creek Drive-- Wed., January 2, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Fri., January 4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat., January 5, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Mon., January 7, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Santa Ana Donor Center 1518 Brookhollow Dr., Ste. 15-- Wed., January 2, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. Fri., January 4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat., January 5, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wed., January 9, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Everyone who signs up to donate blood or blood product at a “Going for the Big Assist” blood drive will receive a voucher to the January 11, 2008 Anaheim Arsenal vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders basketball game and a coupon for a free Jr. Gyro Pita Sandwich at Daphne’s Greek Café. Blood drive participants may also purchase additional tickets to the January 11th Arsenal/D-Fenders game for friends and family at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the friends and family tickets will be donated to the American Red Cross Chapter of Orange County.

“At the January 11th game, the Arsenal will recognize the Red Cross donors and volunteers in Orange County who selflessly donate their time and talents to help those directly affected by disasters, such as the recent wildfires,” continues Muthyala. “We look forward to having a large audience of Red Cross volunteers in attendance and having the opportunity to offer them a heart-felt thank you for what they do every day in our community.”

Any person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eligible Arsenal fans and Orange County residents are asked to schedule an appointment to donate during the 1st annual “Going for the Big Assist” blood drive by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or by visiting www.socalredcross.org. For Spanish, please call 1-866 POR VIDA (1-866-767-8432).

American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, almost 4 million people gave blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region provides approximately 1500 units of blood to over 150 hospitals in Southern California each day.

The American Red Cross of Orange County The American Red Cross of Orange County commemorated 90 years of chapter service in Orange County in 2007, and more than 125 years of service in America. The American Red Cross of Orange County is a unique, community-based network focused on helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies. The chapter provides disaster and client services, health & safety services, Armed Forces emergency services, international humanitarian services and volunteer, youth, and community outreach services, and is a partner with the American Red Cross Blood Services Southern California Region. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. To learn more about the Orange County Red Cross, visit www.oc-redcross.org or call 714/481-5300.

Anaheim Arsenal The Anaheim Arsenal joined the NBA Development League as an expansion team for the 2006-07 Season. The Arsenal play their home games at the Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center, in Anaheim, California. Andre Owens and James Augustine, both members of the 2006-2007 Anaheim Arsenal, are on NBA rosters for the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic. The NBA Development League (D- League) is the NBA’s official minor league and the first basketball league with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The D- league began play in November 2001 with the purpose of developing players, coaches, athletic trainers, referees and front-office personnel for the NBA. The Arsenal are the official NBA Development League team for the Los Angeles Clippers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Orlando Magic. For more information call 1-714-635-BALL or visit www.anaheimarsenal.com.

###