Central California Blood Center Celebrates 20 Years of the Tulare Rotary 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive

Community Invited to Honor the Lives Lost on 9/11 by Giving Blood

and Helping Save Local Lives

Fresno, Calif. — The Central California Blood Center, in partnership with the Tulare Rotary Club, invites the community to participate in the 20th Annual Tulare Rotary 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive on Friday, September 11, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building. The landmark event honors those lost on September 11, 2001, while turning remembrance into action through the lifesaving gift of blood.

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the Tulare Rotary 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive celebrates 20 years of community service. Since its inception, the event has become the South Valley’s largest community blood drive, collecting thousands of units for local trauma patients, cancer patients, premature babies, surgical patients and others in need throughout Central California.

Event Details What: 20th Annual Tulare Rotary 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive When: Friday, September 11, 2026, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Where: Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, 1771 E. Tulare Avenue Donor Incentives: Event t-shirt while supplies last, free food, thank-you coupons, free Tulare County Fair tickets, free flu shots from Adventist Health, Galaxy Theatres movie tickets for the first 100 first-time donors, and hourly raffle prizes. Why: One blood donation can help save up to three lives.

The day begins with the return of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 7:00 a.m., featuring a presentation of colors, honor guard, invocation, ringing of the Memorial Bell, firefighter’s prayer and closing remarks. The ceremony provides an opportunity to honor the heroes and victims of September 11 before coming together to support patients in need.

“Twenty years ago, this community chose to honor the memory of 9/11 in the most meaningful way possible—by saving lives,” said Christine Hayes, President and CEO of Central California Blood Center. “As we remember those we lost, we also celebrate the countless lives touched by the generosity of blood donors. That legacy of compassion and service continues today.”

“Each year, hundreds of people come together not only to remember a day that changed our nation, but to make a difference for families in our own community,” said Donnette Silva-Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. “This blood drive has become a powerful tradition of service, hope and healing.”

To schedule an appointment for this blood drive, please visit www.donateblood.org or call 559-389-5433.

About The Central California Blood Center

The Central California Blood Center serves as the region’s vital source of lifesaving blood products, supporting 20 hospitals and healthcare partners throughout Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings, and Mariposa counties. Each day, hundreds of local patients depend on blood transfusions for emergency care, surgical procedures, and ongoing medical treatments. In critical moments, the blood readily available on our shelves can make all the difference. By donating, community members provide more than blood—they offer hope, healing, and a second chance to neighbors, friends, and families across the Central Valley. For more information, visit www.donateblood.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates, donor stories, and opportunities to get involved.