Here's How to Score a Free Ticket to Great America

PHOTO: courtesy of California’s Great America on Facebook.

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This summer, the American Red Cross and Cedar Fair theme parks -- operator of California’s Great America in Santa Clara -- are partnering to thank those who come out to donate blood at select blood drives with a free Cedar Fair theme park ticket.

The blood drives are all in the East Bay or Santa Clara County, so some logistics are in order. If you work in one of the communities, you can schedule a donation. Or schedule a donation on the way to Great America--the roller coasters will be extra exciting minus a unit of blood!

“Blood donations are especially needed during the summer months when we see donations slow due to summer vacations and travel among regular donors,” said Sara O’Brien, communications manager for the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “Thanks to the support of Cedar Fair, blood donors can help save lives and have the time of their lives at a Cedar Fair theme park.”

All those who come to donate at selected blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to any U.S. Cedar Fair theme park, including Great America, while supplies last.

Tickets are valid through September 7, 2015, and other restrictions may apply.

Donors also have special access to additional discounted tickets. Two dollars from every discounted ticket purchased will be donated back to the Red Cross to support its humanitarian mission.

Now through July 15, donors can visit redcross.cedarfair.com to purchase additional discounted tickets and give back to the Red Cross.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities offering one free Cedar Fair theme park ticket

July 27 – August 1 at five American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers:

San Jose Blood Donation Center

2731 N. First St., San Jose

Monday, Friday & Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Oakland Blood Donation Center

6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland

Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Pleasanton Blood Donation Center

5556-B Springdale Ave., Pleasanton

Tuesday & Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Contra Costa Blood Donation Center

140 Gregory Ln., Pleasant Hill

Tuesday - Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Friday - Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Fremont /Newark Blood Donation Center

39227 Cedar Blvd., Newark

Friday – Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Appointments are encouraged.

How to donate blood

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.