Cartoonists Draw Blood in Fairfax on November 22, 2023

Cartoonists Draw Blood -- blood drive with the American Red Cross is taking place on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 (yes, the day before Thanksgiving) from 10AM-4PM at 8550 Arlington Blvd. Fairfax, VA 22031 in the Briefing Room.

Blood donors meet local cartoonists and take home a complementary sketch after their appointment. As an added incentive, the American Red Cross is providing a limited edition pair of socks featuring the film Elf to blood donors.

Link to schedule appointments to donate blood: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ARC8550

Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/1063132904708370

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czb6FdARh05/?img_index=1

Please consider sharing this event notice on the socials -- it's a great way to be thankful and give back this season even if you can't give blood at this time.

Artists scheduled to appear: Joe Sutliff, Steve Loya, Carolyn Belefski

The Big Thank You Search of 2020

Several cartoonists have been working out a creative way to say thank you to all the generous volunteers and workers who are helping everyone during this crisis, and they’re asking for as many cartoonists as possible to hide 6 key symbols in their cartoons today -- Sunday, June 7th.

The icons are:
1. Mask (for medical workers and caregivers)
2. Steering wheel (for people who move our deliveries, supplies, mail, etc.)
3. Shopping cart (for grocery workers)
4. Apple (for teachers)
5. Fork (for restaurants and essential businesses that have stayed open)
6. Microscope (for medical researchers)

Each of these drawings is a symbol of gratitude for these dedicated people who have risked and sacrificed during this crisis. Can you find them all in my Curls comic strip? We are also asked to put a link to a charity we’d like to support and I selected American Red Cross because of all the work we’ve done with Cartoonists Draw Blood: www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2019

On October 26, 2019, I organized the seventh annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event works like a regular blood drive, however blood donors get to meet local cartoonists and take home an original piece of art created for them as a "thank you."

Thanks to the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Hannah Churn, Al Goodwyn, Carolyn Belefski, and Matt Rawson. Troy-Jeffrey Allen was there for moral support.

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event and to the folks at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for providing the venue. Rich and Chris were leading the charge at the front check-in desk and letting the donors know we were visible and ready to draw!

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society

Thanks also to Prince William Times for the article: https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/saving-lives-american-red-cross-and-national-cartoonists-society-partner/article_bd70a3ad-2a8f-5cc6-bf0d-50bfa0a93984.html

The results of the drive are fantastic: 43 total donors, 13 first time donors, 42 units collected, 126 potential lives saved

More photos can be found in the gallery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CurlsStudio/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10157603630992381

We hope to be announcing more Cartoonists Draw Blood news in the future -- thanks to all who participated!

XOXO,

Carolyn

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2018

On October 20, 2018, the Washington, DC chapter of National Cartoonists Society had our sixth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. 

Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Eric Gordon and Carolyn Belefski drew during the first shift, then Steve Artley and Joe Sutliff arrived to draw for donors during the second half of the drive. We were also able to showcase our second anthology, Monsters.

Thanks to AIGA DC for reaching out to Cartoonists Draw Blood and asking us to join DC Design Week for the second year in a row.

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event and to the folks at Palisades Community Church for providing the venue.

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society

I had been great to be a part of this and saving so many lives with cartooning -- a single donation has the potential to save as many as three lives! 

More photos can be found in the gallery on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CurlsStudio/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156695880607381

If you live near NYC, join in for the Manhattan chapter of National Cartoonists Society's first Cartoonists Draw Blood event this Thursday, October 25, 2018 from Noon to 5PM at The King's College, Student Union, 56 Broadway. 

XOXO,

Carolyn

Cartoonists Draw Blood is expanding to NYC in 2018

I've been working behind-the-scenes throughout the year trying to connect National Cartoonists Society chapter chairs with the correct American Red Cross representative connection in their region to expand “Cartoonists Draw Blood” events beyond Washington, DC. We are excited to announce the Manhattan chapter of NCS will be joining in this October 25! Not gonna lie, it's been hard to get the right people to help hook everything together, but this is a great start to make this program grow. I've heard interest from other chapters, so hopefully by this time next year I'd like to add a few more cities to the list and get the blood pumping.

Big thanks to American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, and all the volunteer cartoonists who will be donating their time and talents to the blood drive -- as well as encouraging blood donation.

Here are the two “Cartoonists Draw Blood” drives we have this year. I'll be representing at the DC event tomorrow morning.

WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, October 20, 2018
9AM - 1PM
Palisades Community Church
5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016

Schedule your appointment in advance with this link (walk-ins are also welcome):
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades

MANHATTAN
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Noon - 5PM
The King's College, Student Union
56 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Here is the National Cartoonists Society website announcement about the events: http://www.reuben.org/2018/10/cartoonists-draw-blood-events-in-dc-nyc

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 20, 2018

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 6th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (same location as last year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 9AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades&fbclid=IwAR2S_VRfkPXaW4uwX-zcZ8dOFQm-EJrQ31p5wMMV96sNaafOFm3MllhHJFk

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done five previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of several hundred people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our second comics anthology, "Monsters" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have been donated to American Red Cross after printing costs). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2179785222302469

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2017

On October 21, 2017, we had our fifth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event started in 2013 and has been going strong since!

This year we had a change of location because we wanted to be able to do the drive in advance of Halloween (to go with our theme) and there were some logistic date issues early on, but we were able to be hooked up with Palisades Community Church in Washington, DC for this year's event -- and everything worked out great. Thanks to Troy-Jeffery Allen for co-chairing the event with me!

Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, and Joe Sutliff were drawing during the full blood drive. Art Hondros and Eric Gordon came to draw for donors during the second half of the drive. We were also able to showcase our first anthology, Trick or Treat.

Thanks to AIGA DC for reaching out to Cartoonists Draw Blood and including us to join DC Design Week.

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event.

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society

Keep your eyes and ears open for another blood drive next fall.

Thanks to everyone for being a part of this and saving so many lives with cartooning -- in addition to having a great time with us.

More photos can be found in the gallery on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CartoonistsDrawBlood/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1534734869940511

XOXO,

Carolyn

Cartoonists Draw Blood is this Saturday, October 21, 2017

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 5th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 8AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (new location this year).

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 8AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org -- search keyword “PALISADES” 

On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done four previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 250 people. 

This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our first comics anthology, "Trick or Treat" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have already been donated to American Red Cross). 

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1551371271590710/

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2016

On October 29, 2016, we had our fourth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event started in 2013 and has been going strong since!

Every year we've been improving how the drive is produced and Troy-Jeffery Allen stepped up to co-organize the event with me. It does help tremendously to have two people handle logistics, communicate with the American Red Cross, be in touch with the venue, wrangle artists, make sure we recruit blood donors, promote the event, set-up and handle what issues arise the day of, and more. Thank you again, Troy!

The Takoma Voice provided online coverage before the event. Here is the link: http://takomavoice.com/2016/10/24/return-of-cartoonists-draw-blood

Joe Sutliff profiled the event and interviewed participants for his comic, Let Us Seek Wonders: http://letusseekwonders.blogspot.com/2016/10/drawing-blooooooood.html

American Red Cross helped us with promotion this year. Here is the press release: http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/local/washington-dc/Cartoonists-Draw-Blood-event

We had many artists who wanted to join us, so we split into AM and PM shifts. Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Mike Jenkins, Carolyn Belefski, Liz Reed, Mal Jones, Bill Brown, Art Hondros, Eric Gordon, Joe Sutliff, Kerry Johnson

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event.

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church

I am currently working to nail down a solid date for 2017, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for another event next fall.

Thanks to everyone for being a part of this and saving so many lives with cartooning -- in addition to having a great time with us.

More photos can be found in the gallery at the Curls Studio Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Curls-Studio-50763422380/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154588726952381

XOXO,

Carolyn

Let Us Seek Wonders profiles Cartoonists Draw Blood

Cartoonist Joe Sutliff, who has been an artist at the Cartoonists Draw Blood event since it's inception has a relatively new comic called Let Us Seek Wonders. This week he focused on the origin story of Cartoonists Draw Blood and how the concept came to National Cartoonists Society's Washington, DC chapter and how we began working with American Red Cross.

Read the full comic here: http://letusseekwonders.blogspot.com/2016/10/drawing-blooooooood.html

You'll be able to meet Joe at this year's event on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Seekers Church in Washington, DC (across from Takoma Metro). If you show up, let him know and he might interview you for next week's page -- then you will be immortal cartoon royality!

Here is a direct link to schedule your appointment for Cartoonists Draw Blood 2016. Walk-ins are also welcome from 10AM to 3:30PM. Hope you can join us!

Listen to Joe on the last Carolyn and Joe Show podcast (episode #388): https://carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/joe-sutliff

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 29, 2016

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 4th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (across the street from Takoma Metro) at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com. You may also register yourself online using this link.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done three previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 200 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, Liz Reed, Joe Sutliff, Kyra Taub, and Art Hondros.
  In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Free parking is available all weekend in the Takoma Metro parking lot across the street.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/491187757755990

American Red Cross Press Release: http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/local/washington-dc/Cartoonists-Draw-Blood-event

Recent podcast interview with participating cartoonist Joe Sutliff on the Carolyn and Joe Show: carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/joe-sutliff

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Featured on Kindness Activist

The work we've done with Cartoonists Draw Blood was recently featured on Kindness Activist.

This blog highlights KINDNESS ACTIVISM - purposeful acts of kindness. Kindness spreads when shared, so go out and be kind. Talk of the kindness you witness. Inspire others. Kindness is a super power that needs to be shared.

Thanks to Susan for spotlighting all the kind things people are doing in the world. You can read the full article here: http://kindnessactivist.blogspot.com/2016/07/cartoon-kindness.html

Speaking of Cartoonists Draw Blood, some of us were invited to draw during a Takoma Park City Counsel meeting last week and our art show continues until September 4 at Takoma Park Community Center. That means you have a little over a month to swing by and check out the show!

Reminder that our next blood drive with American Red Cross is Saturday, October 29 from 10:00AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (276 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012). You can sign up to donate blood by emailing CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com.

Cartoonists Draw Blood Art Exhibit

This coming Thursday, July 7, 2016 everyone is invited to our first "Cartoonists Draw Blood" art exhibit at Takoma Park Community Center from 6:30-8PM. The exhibit will feature work from artists who have participated in our past blood drives. We'll have refreshments, fun, the opportunity to meet the artists in-person, and browse or purchase the art!

"Cartoonists Draw Blood" is a project I've organized with National Cartoonists Society since 2013. Every year we host a drive with American Red Cross where blood donors meet local cartoonists and receive a complimentary thank you drawing after donating blood. Mark your calendar – our next blood drive is Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM-3:30PM at Seekers Church, across for the Takoma metro station.

The exhibit is part of the "Stylized Notions: Works by Cartoonists Draw Blood, Mike Guy, William L. Brown and Timothy Lee Giles" show hosted by City of Takoma Park, MD – Municipal Government.

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1720147881594070

ARTISTS INCLUDE:
Art Hondros, Bill Brown, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, Jake Warrenfeltz, Jay Payne, Joe Carabeo, Joe Sutliff, Mal Jones, Matt Rawson, Steve Artley, Steve Loya, Teresa Roberts Logan

THANKS:
Bill Brown, Steve Loya, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Takoma Park Community Center

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2015

Last Saturday, October 31, 2015, we had our third annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. I came up with the concept in 2013 and tracked down the appropriate Red Cross people to put the event in motion, in addition to finding the venue that could handle the blood drive, be cost efficient, willing to work with us, and near a Metro station. So many prerequisites, so little time...

Each year we've been improving how the drive is produced and Troy-Jeffery Allen has stepped up to co-organize the event with me. It does help tremendously to have two people handle logistics, communicate with the American Red Cross, be in touch with the venue, wrangle artists, make sure we recruit blood donors, promote the event, set-up and handle what issues arise the day of, and more. Thank you, Troy!

Since it was Halloween on the day of the event this year, we encouraged blood donors to dress up in costume, although it was not required to give blood. Quite a few people did dress up. We had zombies, fun Halloween socks, ninjas, Mickey Mouse, Daredevil, vikings, and more.

The Takoma Voice provided online coverage before the event. Here is the link: http://tpssvoice.com/2015/10/30/cartoonists-draw-blood-again

Capitol Communicator also broadcasted us on their Events page: http://www.capitolcommunicator.com/cartoonists-draw-blood-set-for-oct-31

We had many artists who wanted to join us, so we split into two shifts. Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Joe Sutliff

Thanks to Joe Carabeo, who documented the event with his film and photography skills.

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for taking photos in the morning before heading to another photoshoot. More photos are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152435841617381.1073741850.50763422380&type=3

We exceeded expectations by going over our target goal provided by the Red Cross -- it's only Monday morning and they've proclaimed our event "a big success" and already proposed a date for 2016! Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for another event next fall.

Thanks to everyone for being a part of this and saving so many lives with art -- in addition to having fun with us.

More photos can be found in the gallery at the Curls Studio Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153644273257381.1073741862.50763422380&type=3&pnref=story

XOXO,

Carolyn

Cartoonists Draw Blood is next Saturday, October 31, 2015

The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing a blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors this Halloween -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church near Takoma Metro at 276 Carroll Street, NW.

Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com.

On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch.

It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done two previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of up to 120 people. 

This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, T.R. Logan, Liz Reed, and Joe Sutliff.

In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is on Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow.

Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502045900106928

Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive 2

Last Saturday, May 31, 2014, we had our second "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. I came up with the concept a full year ago and tracked down the appropriate Red Cross people to put the event in motion, in addition to finding the venue that could handle the blood drive, be cost efficient, willing to work with us, and near a Metro station.

Everything came together last fall when we held the first blood drive - and saved the lives of up to 90 people! This year was an improvement -- although we did hit one snag that was beyond anyone's control! 

Thanks to Troy-Jeffery Allen for co-organizing the event. He really stepped up to bat. This year we were able to greet people directly near the front door, which was a better placement for our drawing tables. Since Troy was handling the sign-ins, I got to draw a lot more than last year. 

So what was the snag no one could do anything about? Troy was on top of things when the water main broke from the construction crew across the street. It happened in the afternoon and the crew said they might have water back on in an hour. We had to stop the blood drive and wait it out. During this time Steve Artley, Joe Sutliff, Mal Jones, and myself drew up a storm hanging out with Red Cross employees Kamika and Janay. We also drew for many people who were waiting to give blood and were unable to because we had the shut the whole thing down when the water never came back.

The event was still a success in my eyes. There were even walk-ins who never knew about the event until they walked by the front window. I can't think of a better way to showcase our cartooning skills and give back.

Fairfax Times helped promote the event the week before in print.

The Takoma Voice provided online coverage before the event and included interviews with many of the cartoonists as well showcasing images of our art. Here is the link: http://tpssvoice.com/2014/05/23/return-bloodthirsty-cartoonists/

Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Jay Payne, Matt Rawson, Joe Sutliff

Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church

Thanks to Joe Carabeo for taking photos in the morning before heading to another photoshoot. More photos are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152435841617381.1073741850.50763422380&type=3

We hope to do the event again sometime in the future. Stay 'tooned.

XOXO,

Carolyn

Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive is May 31 in DC

On Saturday, May 31, 2014, nine of the finest cartoonists in the Washington, DC area will be devoting their time and talents to sketch for blood donors for the second 'Cartoonists Draw Blood' event with the American Red Cross at Seekers Church (276 Carroll Street, NW in Washington, DC 20012 -- one block from Takoma Metro).

Since our first blood drive last fall was so successful, the American Red Cross asked us to do it again!

Did you know that each blood donation saved three lives? This is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. 

Blood donors are needed to sign up for appointments scheduled in 15 minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM. To donate blood, please email Troy and Carolyn at 'CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com' with your preferred appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome.

On the day of your blood donation, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, bring a list of medications you are taking, and bring a photo ID.

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1437807213121707

Sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church

Cartoonists: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Jay Payne, Matt Rawson, Joe Sutliff

Thanks to Troy-Jeffrey Allen for co-chairing the May 31 event with me. Thanks to Steve Artley for his Zombie, Dracula, and Werewolf characters.

Recap and Photos: Cartoonists Draw Blood - American Red Cross Blood Drive

Our first-ever "Cartoonists Draw Blood" event this past Saturday, November 2, 2013 with the Washington, DC chapter of National Cartoonists Society and American Red Cross was a success. We had 40 people arrange appointments before the event. 25 donors was the goal for the Red Cross (I think they like event organizers like me to arrange more beforehand because some people don't make it out), but we came up with a total of 30 donors - 30 pints of blood! A handful of people were deferred, but we still made art for them.

I am amazed by the results. American Red Cross told me we saved the lives of up to 90 strangers just from this one day of Cartoonists Draw Blood! Having this be my first blood drive to organize, I had no idea this event could save that many lives. I thought it would be a handful, but no way would I have ever thought 90 people. Again, a huge thank you to everyone involved.

All my event photos are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151946974587381.1073741835.50763422380&type=3

The Washington Post covered our event on-the-scene with a reporter (Bettina Lanyi) and photographer (Liz Vance). The article was published today online and I heard it is also in the District's print edition today in the Local Living section. Here is a link so you can read the full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/besides-juice-and-cookies-blood-donors-at-dc-drive-received-cartoonists-original-art/2013/11/07/22fc0538-456f-11e3-b6f8-3782ff6cb769_story.html

Fairfax Times also helped promote the event the day before in print and online: http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20131101/NEWS/131109810/0/fairfaxTimes&template=fairfaxTimes

The Takoma Voice provided online coverage before the event and included interviews with many of the cartoonists as well showcasing images of our art. Here is the link: http://tpssvoice.com/2013/10/25/cartoonists-want-your-blood/

Thanks to everyone who donated blood this past Saturday. A huge thanks to Seekers Church for the wonderful venue. Of course, thanks to all the cartoonists (Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Steve Loya, Jay Payne, Joe Sutliff, Jake Warrenfeltz, and JTW) for lending their time and talents to a great cause. The Red Cross already wants to do this event with us twice a year, so as I like to say: Stay 'tooned!

Thanks,

Carolyn