MEDIC Regional Blood Center is preparing to host hundreds of donors at its 12th Annual Parrot Head Party on Thursday, May 26th at its Knoxville Donor Center, 1601 Ailor Avenue, from 8:00am-6:00pm.
The event helps MEDIC prepare for Memorial Day weekend and upcoming summer months when blood donations typically decline. “The need for blood never takes a vacation,” said MEDIC spokesperson Benjamin Prijatel. “Our Parrot Head Party is a crucial event because it helps ensure we’ll be able to meet the needs of patients at our local hospitals.”
This year’s event is expected to see record attendance thanks to some special incentives provided by local businesses.
This year, all donors will be entered to win the Ultimate Parrot Head Experience which includes two tickets to Jimmy Buffett’s June 2nd concert in Atlanta, hotel accommodations, and a $50 gas card.
Raffles will also be held for a gift basket from Zoo Knoxville, tickets to see the Tennessee Smokies, and gift cards to Margaritaville restaurant in Pigeon Forge.
Additionally, all donors will be treated to a cheeseburger lunch courtesy of the Smoky Mountain Parrot Head Club; a limited edition Parrot Head t-shirt; and coupons for a free Chick-fil-A Sandwich, free Rita’s Italian Ice, and a free appetizer from Texas Roadhouse. Rita’s will also be providing Italian ice to donors from 11am-4pm.
To complete the festivities, MEDIC will have live music featuring some of Jimmy Buffett’s most popular songs and Zoo Knoxville will hold a bird show on-site featuring some of the most entertaining and exotic birds.
Although attendance is expected to be record breaking, MEDIC plans to have extra staff and volunteers on hand to keep wait times at a minimum.
For more information on the event, please visit medicblood.org or call (865) 524-3074.
