VOLKSWAGEN DONATES 2025 TAOS S TO AWARD TO SUMMER DONOR OR BLOOD DRIVE COORDINATOR

All May 23 – Sept. 7 Arizona Donors & Blood Drive Coordinators Entered into the Vitalant Summer Drive to Save Lives!

Transform lives by donating blood May 23 – Sept. 7 with Vitalant and be automatically entered to win a 2025 VW Taos S! The seven Valley Volkswagen dealers have donated the car and partnered with Vitalant in the 16^th annual campaign to help inspire more people to give blood this summer. Ten finalists will be drawn to participate in the Volkswagen grand prize ceremony. They will be unveiled throughout the summer on CW7, proud media partner for the “Summer Drive to Save Lives” campaign.

Meet Our 2025 Finalists as they are Drawn!

Special Event Blood Drive: June 8 Phoenix Fan Fusion Blood Drive
Alan Castro (Phoenix), first-time donor

Alan has always loved art and that’s what first drew him to Fan Fusion. But before leaving the event, he told his family he wanted to stop by the Vitalant donation area to see if he could give blood. Donating had long been a personal goal, and he was thrilled to learn he was eligible. His first-ever donation earned him a spot on the finalist panel. “I just like helping out as much as I can,” Alan says, encouraging others to donate, too. If he wins the VW Taos, it would be the 21-year-old’s first car, a big step toward greater independence. He hopes to start delivery driving and explore more of Arizona. His sister, who’s currently his chauffeur while he works on getting his license, laughs, “Now he can drive me around.”

May 23 - June 27 Donor

Bobby Faulkner (Fort Mohave)
Bobby lives in Fort Mohave with his wife of 14 years. He began donating with Vitalant about seven years ago in Kingman and gives blood whenever he can. A Vietnam veteran and former Safety Construction Coordinator, Bobby says, “I just want to help others when I can.” That spirit of giving runs deep. About 22 years ago, he even donated part of his right lung to a friend. “It was surreal,” he reflects, “to realize the profound impact helping someone can have.” Today, Bobby and his wife share a car and spend nearly all their time together. Winning a new VW Taos would give them the freedom to travel more and bring back memories of the VW Beetles they once drove in their youth.

Special Event Blood Drive: July 6 Saving Arizona Blood Drive
Evyann Kory (Chandler)

Evyann’s commitment to helping others began at age 18, when she made her first blood donation, and she’s continued to give whenever she can. She compares donating blood to lighting one candle from another: “It’s necessary to help others, and I can do it. My body will regenerate the blood.” Having known several people who needed blood during illness, Evyann understands firsthand the importance of a strong donor network. She believes that giving back fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. Outside of donating, Evyann enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren who live nearby, connecting with friends, participating in her church community, and catching a good movie. She’s a proud supporter of Vitalant’s mission and appreciates their widespread presence across Arizona, including at her church and local events like the Saving Arizona Blood Drive.

June 28 – Aug. 2 Donor
John Lynch (Scottsdale)

In retirement, John enjoys helping fellow seniors in Scottsdale navigate technology and learn what their smartphones can do. “It’s empowering to be able to help others,” he says. While his main passion is supporting animals in shelters, John has also been a committed blood donor with Vitalant for the past 10 years, ever since the Bloodmobile first visited his workplace. “It’s how I help other people,” he shares. Eight years ago, John was in a serious car accident that totaled his dream car. Winning the VW Taos, he says, would “make life a little easier.” Through his regular platelet donations, he continues to support patients across the Valley. “I like to help, if I can,” John adds, and his actions prove he can.

Aug. 3 – Sept. 7 Donor
April Swann (Gilbert)
April’s journey as a blood donor began in college, often inspired by friends or group activities. Her most recent donation, which earned her a spot among the top 10 finalists, was especially meaningful as it was a heartfelt request from her daughter, whose high school volunteer group was organizing a blood drive. April says donating blood “gives you a good feeling to help someone else.” Over time, her understanding of the importance of blood donation has deepened, especially as she became more informed through personal experiences involving both of her parents. Today, April is the CEO and owner of a manufacturing company, a proud mother of four, and someone who cherishes time outdoors with her family, especially camping or hiking. If she wins the 2025 Taos, April shares with a smile that she’ll let her daughter, the blood drive coordinator, take her for a spin in the new car.

May 23 - Sept. 7 Automated Donor
William Grass (Gold Canyon)
William began donating blood in 1989 while working in a machine shop. Since then, he’s made an incredible 168 donations, a testament to his unwavering commitment to helping others. “This is one thing I can do to help others,” William shares, reflecting on his decades of generosity. Now retired, William continues to give back by donating platelets twice a month. When he’s not at the donation center, you’ll find him outdoors, walking or 4-wheeling through Arizona’s rugged terrain, especially when the weather cooperates. A lifelong Arizona resident, William and his wife recently purchased a Volkswagen. If he wins the 2025 Taos, he’s planning road trips to visit his son and daughter, both of whom live out of state.

May 23 - Sept. 7 Teen Donor

May 23 – Sept. 7 Goal-making Blood Drive Coordinator

May 23 – Sept. 14 Bonus Entry Card Online Registration

May 23 – Sept. 14 Bonus Entry Card Showroom Raffle Box