Saint Louis Symphony Celebrates Red Cross Month

	The Saint Louis Symphony has partnered with the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region to celebrate Red Cross Month.  The Symphony will salute presenting blood donors by giving them one free concert voucher during the month of March. 

	Every year, March is designated as Red Cross Month, a time when the Red Cross recognizes those who have helped the community through Red Cross programs and services.  The Missouri-Illinois Region extends an important thank you to our extended Red Cross family - blood donors, blood drive coordinators, employees and community supporters who support our lifesaving mission every day.

	Community sponsors, such as the Saint Louis Symphony, are vital in underscoring the importance of blood and platelet donations.  In the Missouri-Illinois Region, the Red Cross relies on approximately 1,200 blood donations every day in order to meet patients' needs.  Because red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days and platelets only five, keeping up with demand is a constant challenge, which is why the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood every 56 days and platelets up to 24 times a year.  
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has been a source of pride for the St. Louis region since its founding in 1880.  The Symphony has earned a reputation as a first-tier orchestra through the generations of excellent performances, through its mastery of a wide-ranging repertoire, and a tradition of partnering with leading musical artists from around the world.

	In addition to its regular concert performances at Powell Symphony Hall, the Symphony is an integral part of the St. Louis community with a variety of education and partnership programs.   Through its educational concerts at Powell and in classrooms all over the region through the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative, the Symphony encourages thousands of children to learn about classical music.  Free ensemble and individual performances in parks, churches and other venues throughout the area bring classical music to thousands of people of all ages.  In addition, the pioneering IN UNISON program partners the Symphony with urban African-American churches to further understanding of the connections between gospel, jazz and classical music.

	Blood and platelet donors can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment.  To be eligible to give blood or platelets, donors must be at least 17 years of age in Missouri or Kansas (16 in Illinois with a signed Red Cross parental consent form), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good, general health the day of donation.