BlueClaws out for blood

The iPod in my head is full of expressions and long-asked questions from my parents and other adults that were thrown around when I was growing up. Sayings like "Stop that crying or I'll give you something to cry about," "Don't make me get up," "You'll do better in school or I'll know why" and "Stop living on the edge."

When I think about those expressions today, they make me smile and reflect on another time and place. For example, if I was crying and my parents said, "Stop that crying or I'll give you something to cry about," I remember thinking, "I'm crying right now so why do I need something else to cry about?"

On a more serious note, I would occasionally hear someone ask, "What do you want from me, blood?"

Well, when it comes to the Central Jersey Blood Center, the Lakewood Blue- Claws and radio stations WJRZ and WRAT, the answer to the question "What do you want from me, blood?" is "Yes, we want your blood!"

Greater Media radio stations WRAT, 95.9 FM, and WJRZ, 100.1 FM, which received Central Jersey Blood Center's Outstanding Service Award for their continued involvement and support in promoting blood drives and educating the public about giving blood, the public about giving blood, will be on hand to support a worthy and much-needed cause here in our Jersey Shore community.

The Central Jersey Blood Center is so committed to this cause that Ryan Ragan, chief operating officer of the Central Jersey Blood Center, will be "living on the edge."

Ragan will be camped out on the roof of FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood, starting Labor Day (Sept. 7). He will remain there until the first pitch of the Lakewood BlueClaws' first home playoff game, Sept. 11 at 7:05 p.m., or until 300 pints of blood are donated.

Anyone who would like to help bring Ragan down from the stadium roof can donate blood, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the stadium. Those unable

to get to FirstEnergy Park can donate blood in honor of Ragan at any Central Jersey Blood Center in Shrewsbury, Howell or Toms River.

Ragan says, "This effort highlights the painstaking procedures those in need of blood go through to enjoy the same day-today activities most people take for granted. I am trying to demonstrate in a unique way — living on a roof — that there are more difficult tasks than giving blood."

Fans who donate blood will receive a general admission ticket to the Sept. 11 BlueClaws playoff game.

Donors can also enter contests to win prizes such as autographed BlueClaws' jerseys, tickets to the 2010 season, a Cole Hamels autographed baseball, and more. These special fans who donate their blood will also be recognized before the game in a parade and get to stay on the field for the national anthem.

The BlueClaws and the Central Jersey Blood Center will present rally towels to the first 2,000 fans at each playoff game.

The Central Jersey Blood Center is the official sponsor of the playoffs of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

For further information, contact Ryan Ragan, Central Jersey Blood Center, at 732- 842-5750, ext. 265.

Mike Moran is the host of "Down the Shore," which is broadcast on WJRZ-FM 100.1. WJRZ is owned by Greater Media, which is also the owner of the Bulletin.