February 11, 2023 is National Make-a-Friend Day, and what better way to celebrate this special occasion than by giving back to the community.

• Realtors Nance Wendel and Wayne Myshin of ERA American Real Estate in Shalimar, Florida, have organized a blood drive event to promote awareness of the critical need for blood donations.

On this day, from 10am to 3pm, the ERA American Real Estate office parking lot will be buzzing with excitement. OneBlood’s Big Red Bus will be on site to receive donations, and every person who gives blood will receive a free T-shirt and a $20 Walmart gift card, as well as hot dogs, chips, drinks, and cookies. 

• To make the event even more fun, there will be games and activities for everyone to enjoy. 
• Eglin Air Force Base’s Pet Welfare will also be there that day with adoptable animals. 

“Blood donation is an important cause, and we are proud to be part of it,” said Nance Wendel. “Every day, people in our community need blood to survive, and it’s only through the generosity of volunteer donors that we can help ensure a stable supply for those in need. We encourage everyone to come out and join us in this life-saving effort.”

Agents at ERA American Real Estate are no stranger to giving blood and raising awareness of the need to donate. In November 2019, Get The Coast broke the news that one of their agents, Ramona Speer, was desperately needing O Negative blood that was negative for the KPB antigen.

• Speer was scheduled to have a life-saving surgery on Tuesday, November 26th, but because her blood type is so rare, there wasn’t any O- blood in Northwest Florida that is negative for the antigen. 

OneBlood began working closely with the American Rare Donor Program, an agency that searches the world for rare blood. After a nationwide search along with multiple locations locally to donate blood, 3 matching donors were found and Speer’s surgery was a success!

According to OneBlood, just one blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. Blood shortages are common, especially during the summer months, and it’s essential to keep the blood supply at a safe level. By giving blood, you are not only saving a life but also helping to ensure that there is enough blood available for emergencies and life-saving treatments.

So, mark your calendars for February 11th, from 10am to 3pm, and come to the ERA American Real Estate office in Shalimar, Florida, to celebrate National Make-a-Friend Day by giving blood, adopting a pet, and making new friends. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and make a real difference in someone’s life.

The Shalimar office is located at 60 2nd St Suite A, Shalimar, FL 32579