The blood drive held Aug. 18 in honor of Abita Springs art teacher Elizabeth Perrin, who was diagnosed with acute leukocytic leukemia in January, was an overwhelmingly positive event. Organizers said it was truly an example of community spirit and rallying behind a person who has given so much and is now in a time of need. 

The Abita Springs Town Hall was buzzing with friends, family and strangers who came together to donate blood, submit saliva samples to enter into the national bone marrow registry and to volunteer their time and energy.

People were asked to “Be a Hero” and help out, and the first person in line was George Gottchalk, head custodian at Abita Springs Middle School, followed by 100 other blood donors and 82 bone marrow registrants.

Eva Jenkins, music teacher at Abita Springs Elementary, gives blood, while Mark Molina prepares to give blood during the blood drive held for Abita Springs art teacher Elizabeth Perrin. (Use arrows above to view more photos)

The majority of attendees were loyal parents of students and fellow teachers, including Abita Springs Elementary School Principal Rebecca Stogner. In addition were heroes like new Covington resident and mother of three Tricia Burke, who read about Perrin in the newspaper, drove for her first trip ever to Abita Springs to the event, had to leave before she could donate, and then went to Mandeville the next day and donated blood in Perrin’s name at the Blood Center. One of the last donors was Bill Traina-Dorge.  He wound up there spontaneously after going to the local grocery store and having Warren Artigue suggest it as he was checking out. John Preble of the UCM Museum/Mystery House donated vouchers for free autographed Abita Pavilion posters to participants.

People waited patiently to donate, and Perrin’s Gumbo and Warrior Art School volunteers worked to make sure that the event, which brought in twice as many people as anticipated, flowed as smoothly as possible.

Jennifer Bryant and Paulette Reeder worked alongside Perrin’s husband, Steve Perrin, and her niece, Danelle Dufriend, at the marrow station. Running the canteen were Tess St. Paul, Kristine and Kandice Kelsey, Michelle Kelsey, Laura Hopper, Regina Bourgeois and Ginger Morel.  Jennie Gill Fonseca and Rachel Lambert checked people in while Sue and Caitlyn Seely directed traffic with Jeanné Shasteen and Donata Henry. Mary Ruth and Dick Hastings ran the art station, drawing pictures and soliciting autographs for a big card for Perrin. 

Fellow teacher Maria O’Keefe organized a massage center with donations benefitting cancer research through Relay for Life, and free child identification cards. Many other people came, gave blood and then stayed to both help and socialize, making the event both worthwhile and fun.

Kathy Armand, Abita’s clerk of court, who just one year ago worked with Perrin to secure the Town Hall for a school volunteer art training, found herself graciously accommodating the use of the building and fielding calls for this important cause. Town Hall employee Kim Byrd assisted in preparing Town Hall for this social and medical event. Even Mayor Louis Fitzmorris got into the act by not only rolling up his sleeves to donate, but also by facilitating organizers in staying several hours later than agreed to complete the event.

Energetically led by Suzy Potter, The Blood Center’s donor tech team worked tirelessly without a break from 2:15-10:45 p.m. 

Those who were not able to attend this exciting event, can still be a part of it. Specify Elizabeth Perrin as the recipient at any Blood Center location, including 4350 Louisiana Highway 22, Suite K, Mandeville, LA 70471 (next to Rouse’s), phone number 626-4937.

Tax-deductible donations may be mailed in her name to this address.  Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from noon to 8 pm.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to3 p.m. Visit www.thebloodcenter.org for more information. To make a gift or join the Bone Marrow registry, visit BeTheMatch.org or call 1-800 Marrow-2 for a kit.