Tuesday, 13Jul10, REST DAY, Indianapolis, IND
What a great rest day! We were able to “sleep in” and then we were picked up by the Indiana Blood Center van by Pete Lux … who transported us and our bicycles to 3450 N. Meridian … and … we were able to visit with blood donors and IBC staff.
Yes Abbey it’s true they have an amazing group of staff at IBC … Adella and I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed talking to and “thanking” the donors who were present … I took the opportunity as a blood recipient to individually shake hands, thank each donor, and if they didn’t object … we took a picture with them.
Then CEO Byron B … took us into a staff meeting and introduced us and gave us the opportunity to speak to the tele-donor recruitment staff … that was a lot of fun … and they had some great questions about “why” we would be cycling across America? When we finished we did a group picture with lots of hugs and handshakes as we said our goodbyes.
After that, Channel 59 Fox News … reporter/photographer Jamie and Noel (an intern) came in to interview us and do a local news piece, as we talked to the blood donors, a husband (Chris) and his wife who were donating at the same time … this is a newscast which we are looking forward to seeing and then sharing the Fox 59 news link with the ABC members.
Later we met with Byron, B, Tyler Rice, Dan Waxman, Michael Parejko, Mark Beltz and Pete L gave us a “drive by” scenic tour of the Governor’s mansions on our way to lunch.
Adella and I took lots of pictures which should be uploaded to Facebook later this evening. (Enjoy seeing the “faces” of some amazing donors and the incredible IBC staff who take care of them when they come in to donate blood.)
We even stopped in downtown to take a picture of the War Memorial at the center square … my connection is my grandfather, who fought with the Indiana 66th Infantry Regiment in the Civil War.
Indianapolis is an amazing, growing, lively city where the “night life” just starts to come alive at sunset … lots of incredible war memorials and interesting buildings that have some amazing history to them!
We had a blast and want to thank Indiana Blood Center for their gracious hospitality.
To Bob Wise … I didn’t meet Dawn (she was on vacation) however I did get a picture of your name and Perry’s name on the Team FPOL cycling jersey which was in a frame on the lobby wall.
Tomorrow is another 75 miles to Richmond, Indiana … we’ll talk to you later.