Bob's Discount Furniture to host blood drive at Patriots' stadium

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 29, 2012

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Bob's Discount Furniture is teaming with the American Red Cross and the National Football League's New England Patriots to host a sixth annual "mega" blood drive and day of family fun at Gillette Stadium here Saturday.

The event, expected to draw hundreds, will help the Red Cross make up the shortfall of blood donations after Superstorm Sandy.

During the 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. blood drive in the stadium's Putnam Club, attendees will have a chance to enter into a drawing for two autographed footballs from a current player. Former Patriots players Joe Andruzzi, John Smith, Steve Nelson, Roland James and Matt Chatham, along with Patriots cheerleaders, are scheduled to attend.

Patriots tickets and other prizes will be given away and ice cream will be provided by New England Ice Cream Co.

"We are pleased to partner with the American Red Cross and the New England Patriots and provide a day of family fun at Gillette Stadium, while at the same time helping to save lives," Bob's President Bob Kaufman said in a release. "Superstorm Sandy served as a reminder that we must be prepared to help in advance of disasters, and there is no better way than giving the gift of life."

In addition to sponsoring the event, Bob's is donating 24 recliners to be raffled off during the event. The retailer said it donated the furniture "to thank generous blood donors and also to support a sufficient blood supply for patients in need."

This event is in celebration of the Fourth Annual Bob's Discount Furniture High School Heroes $100,000 Scholarship Program, which "recognizes outstanding high school seniors in Massachusetts and Connecticut who have made exceptional contributions to their schools' volunteer blood donor programs."

The Manchester, Conn.-based Top 100 company has 43 stores in the Northeast and greater Washington, D.C., including 10 in Massachusetts.