Bone Marrow Drive at Plaza Bonita - 22 Mar. 2008

The National Latino Peace Officers Association, in conjunction with Westfield Plaza Bonita, Farmers Insurance, GreatCommunity.org, Athletes for Education and the Bone Marrow Division of the San Diego Blood Bank joined forces to celebrate a Bone Marrow and Child Fingerprinting Drive at Plaza Bonita on March 22, 2008.

The event targeted the Latino population which has a large need for Bone Marrow donors, but a short list of registered donors. Through the Foundation at the San Diego Blood Bank, those interested in joining the list, could do so, without paying the $40 fee.

In conjunction with the Bone Marrow Drive, Farmers Insurance created free Digital ID's for anyone interested. The goal was to provide parents with a valuable resource that Police could use, should anything happen to their children.

The City of Chula Vista provided Volunteers to help fingerprint children over the age of 4.

To help encourage Plaza Bonita mall visitors to visit the booths, Athletes for Education brought 3 players from the San Diego Chargers to the event: Jacques Cesaire, Tra Battle and Jyles Tucker. We thank them for their time, assistance and dedication to support the community.

The event was organized by the National Latino Peace Officers Association - San Diego Chapters, and spearheaded by Omar Carranza of GreatCommunity.org and Victor Gonzalez of Westfield Malls. Thank you to all who came to support the event and especially those who signed up to become Bone Marrow Donors.

To help promote the event, Radio Latina was on hand doing live broadcasts and giving away promotions.