FanCons.ca Press Releases


November 16, 2005

News for Anime Expo 2006:

American Red Cross to conduct blood drive at AX2006

ANIME EXPO® 2006 (July 1-4, 2006) RESPONDS TO NATIONAL TRAGEDIES

North America's Oldest & Largest Anime/Manga Convention Will Conduct Blood Drives To Assist In Current & Future National Catastrophes

Anaheim, California (November 15, 2005) -- In the wake of devastating national tragedies, such as Hurricane Katrina, Anime Expo® continues to be a leader in philanthropic activities by joining with the American Red Cross in conducting blood drives during Anime Expo®'s 15th Anniversary Convention July 1-4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

Covering 1,200 square footage of space over a span of three days, Attendees can donate life saving blood for current and future crisis needs. Anime Expo® 2006 Chairwoman Joyce Lim states "it's the annual tradition of supporting medical charities such as City of Hope and Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches. Please join us in supporting the American Red Cross and their continued efforts in ensuring an adequate blood supply." Trulee Karahashi, Society for the Promotion of Japanese Anime (SPJA) CFO, states "We're looking forward to working with the Red Cross and helping as much as we can. With the diversity of our attendees, we hope that the blood drive will help to bring in a diversity of donors as well. This blood drive is just one of the ways in which Anime Expo® and the SPJA seek to contribute and help out in our community."

Attendees will be able to help a truly worthy national cause while having a blast enjoying the many live events, concerts and exhibits during Anime Expo®. Cliff Numark, American Red Cross Blood Services Southern California Region Director of Donor Recruitment, states "The American Red Cross salutes Anime Expo® for planning this invaluable contribution to our community. The Anime Expo® Blood Drive will be an opportunity for participants to save the lives of local hospital patients. At Anime Expo® 2006, in a unique and touching way, animation will give life to people. The American Red Cross is proud to partner with Anime Expo® to give this Gift of Life."

Attendees can either show up at the American Red Cross booth to donate blood during Anime Expo® 2006 or make an appointment via the American Red Cross (www.givelife.org) website after January 1, 2006 (1/1/2006) using the E-Donor sponsor code of "anime" and the password of "expo".

Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the world's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/ manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 - 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property - Anime Expo®.

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