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Meet Our 2026 Volkswagen Finalists as they are Drawn!

June 5 - 7 Special Event Finalist: Phoenix Fan Fusion Blood Drive
Wesley Golding (Scottsdale), 10-Time Donor
Wesley is devoted to helping people, so as soon as he turned 16, he was anxious to donate at his Paradise Valley High School blood drive. He has always wanted to work in the medical field, and after graduation, he attended EMT school up until the pandemic prevented in-person training. Wesley gives blood whenever he can and specifically makes it a point to donate in costume and the Phoenix Fan Fusion blood drive every year. "It is lovely to be able to help people," he says. "I know if saves lives, especially for those with trauma." Wesley grew up in Arizona. Recently engaged, he and his fiance are planning a summer 2027 wedding. They currently share a car, so winning a new Volkswagen would be amazing. He currently works as a maintenance technician and hopes to continue his education to become a life coach or therapist within a few years.

May 22 - June 27 Finalist: Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center Blood Drive
Patrick Mace (Sun City), 9-Time Donor
When Patrick's mother-in-law became ill and required lifesaving transfusions, he was grateful that she received blood through the kindness of strangers and became a regular donor. "Most everyone has had a family member or a friend who has had cancer or another trauma," he reflected. "When tragedy strikes, it is better to be proactive." Patrick has fond memories of the Volkswagen line. When he met his wife, she drove a 68 VW Beetle, and years later, he taught their daughter to drive in the same bug. Shortly after being drawn as a finalist, he had a dream that he won the Vitalant prize Volkswagen. So, it's not surprising that he plans to give the Taos to his daughter if he wins. Patrick served in the Army, then worked 27 years in sales before retiring in Arizona.

July 5 Special Event Finalist: Saving Arizona Blood Drive
Jarrett Stratton (Glendale), 12-Time Donor
Jarrett's first donation with Vitalant was during the COVID pandemic. An avid Arizona Cardinals fan, he received an email from the team announcing a community blood drive at the stadium and was anxious to help. He thought of his cousin who had severe pancreatitis and passed away from organ failure before the bleeding could be stopped. His Vitalant donations are always given with his mom as a special way to spend time together. "I wish more people would donate," says Jarrett. "People find time for things they enjoy - it is so simple to do." He is excited to be a Volkswagen finalist, as he currently drives a 2008 Jeep Commander that gets seven miles per gallon. Jarrett is single and self-employed with drams of one-day becoming a drone pilot.

June 28 – Aug. 5 Donor
Aug. 6 – Sept. 11 Donor
May 22 - Sept. 11 Automated Donor
May 22 - Sept. 11 Teen Donor
May 22 – Sept. 11 Goal-making Blood Drive Coordinator
May 22 – Sept. 18 Bonus Entry Card Online Registration
May 22 – Sept. 18 Bonus Entry Card Showroom Raffle Box