Central Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, June 25, 2003

PARKS & RECREATION SETS THE PACE FOR BLOOD DONATION

On the evening of May 5, 2003 MetLife and New York Blood Services recognized the Department of Parks & Recreation with the prestigious Pacesetter Award, which is one of the highest awards given to corporations, non-profits, and public agencies throughout New York City. New York Blood Services organizes blood drives for all of New York City’s workforce, including corporations, city agencies, hospitals, and universities.

The Pacesetter Award is the second highest prize given by the New York Blood Center at the annual Chairperson’s Reception. This award, along with the Diamond Award, was established in 2003 to separate the four elite donor organizations of which Parks & Recreation was one. Every year, Parks & Recreation runs two blood drives in each of the five boroughs, the three Arsenals, and the Central Park Conservancy.

However, it is not about winning an award, it is about giving back to the community and saving lives. In 2000, Parks & Recreation totaled 762 pints of blood, but in 2002, the agency set a record and donated a total of 895 pints of blood; an increase of 17 percent.

According to Hedi Piel, our Blood Drive Coordinator, whose persistence and drive was instrumental in Parks most recent success, "the award belongs to all the blood coordinators, captains, and most of all the 895 Parks donors."

The Pacesetter Award is a crystal vase engraved with the statement, "New York Blood Services Proudly Presents its 2002 Chairman’s Pacesetter Award to NYC Department of Parks and Recreation –Whole Blood Donation 895." This award is a major accomplishment for Parks & Recreation and demonstrates the commitment of Parkies to help their neighbors and fellow New Yorkers.

"The moon like a flower

In heaven’s high bower,

With silent delight,

Sits and smiles on the night."

(1757-1827)

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Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center