Mountain Star Blood Services Press Release

‘Novel Idea’ Employed to Increase Blood Donation Campaign Targets Fans of Vampire Book Series – First it was American Idol. Next fans from Utahwill wait in line to buy the latest in the series of vampire-themed novels by Stephanie Meyer. And they’ll be lining up to give blood, too. MountainStar Blood Services (MBS) will hold mobile blood drives in conjunction with release parties at area bookstores. As many as 1,500 people could turn out at each location.“Meyer’s books have all been bestsellers,” said Marilyn Peralta, MBS director. “Her new work, Breaking Dawn, goes on sale August 2 at 12:01 am. Anxious readers are invited to participate in pre-release activities on August 1 – including giving the Gift of Life.”

MountainStar Blood Services will be part of the festivities at three Wasatch Front bookstores; Borders at Fashion Plaza in Murray and the Shops at Riverwood in Provo as well as the Brigham Young University Bookstore. Lucky donors will win copies of Breaking Dawn. All donors will receive t-shirts or other incentives.

In the past fans, wanting to be among the first to buy one of Meyer’s novels, have waited outside book retailers dressed as some of her characters. MBS hopes to capture some of the enthusiasm generated by pre-release festivities and direct it to life-saving purposes.

“A single blood donation can save as many as three lives,” said Peralta. “We hope these mobile blood drives will be memorable for Meyer’s fans and helpful to many cancer and trauma victims, at-risk newborns, and other critically ill patients in Utah hospitals.”

Blood donations will be accepted at the Borders stores from 8-11 p.m. on August 1. The address of the Murray store is 132 E. Winchester. In Provo, the store is located at 4801 N. University Avenue. At BYU (Meyer’s alma mater), blood donations will be accepted outside the bookstore in the Wilkinson Student Center. Donor technicians will be on hand from 2-6 pm and again from 11 pm-12:30 am.

Additional information about the mobile blood drives and the free book giveaway is available by calling (877) 45-BLOOD.