During the month of February, Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation partnered with B’nai B’rith International (BBI) to run donor drives at their “Mitzvah Hours” in cities around the United States. BBI’s Young professional Network allows adults between the ages of 21-40 to gather together for social, educational, cultural, and community service programming, and their Mitzvah Hours, which happen every month, is an opportunity for them to gather to network and service the community.

BBI chose to make February’s Mitzvah Hours an opportunity to partner with Gift of Life and raise awareness of the importance of donating bone marrow. Drives were held in Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, New York City, and Washington D.C. Renee, the Young Leadership Director at BBI and Associate Director of Programming, has been working closely with Gift of Life to make these donor drives a success.  “With our long history of providing service to our communities, it was a natural for us to partner with Gift of Life on these events”  said Renee. “We’re overjoyed that through the four B’nai B’rith Young Professional Network programs nearly 100 people were educated about the need for donors and 30 people were swabbed as potential donors.”

Marti Freund, from Gift of Life, had worked with Renee to help coordinate the events during the month of February.  “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the Young Professionals,” she said.  “Helping Gift of Life raise awareness at the BBI events is a perfect example of their commitment to enhancing their programs with educational and meaningful experiences.  We are thankful to everyone who participated in the bone marrow recruitment drives and took the time to learn more about our mission to save lives.”