Volkswagen Donates 2025 Taos S to Award to a Summer Donor or Blood Drive Coordinator

Vokswagen Grand Prize Ceremony: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 8:45 am, Vitalant Tempe, 1524 W. 14th St.

All May 23 - Sept. 7 Vitalant blood donors and goal-making blood drive coordinators were automatically entered to win a 2025 VW Taos S. The seven Valley Volkswagen dealers donated the Taos and partnered with Vitalant in the 16^th annual campaign to help inspire more people to give blood this summer. Ten finalists were drawn to participate in the Oct. 8 grand prize ceremony and unveiled throughout the summer on CW7, proud media partner for the “Summer Drive to Save Lives” campaign.

Meet Our 2025 Volkswagen Winner!

May 23 – Sept. 14 Bonus Entry Card Online Registration: City of Surprise City Hall Blood Drive
Jonathan Kaplan (Surprise), 24-Time Donor
Jonathan became a blood donor many years ago because he wanted to do something to help people. He has never known anyone who has required a blood transfusion, but Jonathan has had family members and friends who have suffered from health issues. "You never know when it will be needed," he emphasized. "While I am healthy, I can donate." Jonathan is married, has two children and works in the IT field. He is the previous owner of a VW Tiguan and loved it, so he is excited at the possibility of winning.

Meet Our Other Volkswagen Finalists!

May 23 - June 27 Finalist: The Way Christian Church Blood Drive
Bobby Faulkner (Fort Mohave), 6-Time Blood Donor
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.

July 6 Special Event Blood Drive Finalist: Saving Arizona Blood Drive, Tempe Center for the Arts
Evyann Kory (Chandler), 12-Time Blood Donor
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 Finalist: Scottsdale Donation Center
John Lynch (Scottsdale), 11-Time Donor
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 Finalist: Highland High School Blood Drive
April Swann (Gilbert), 2-Time Donor
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 Finalist: Mesa Donation Center
William Grass (Gold Canyon), 168-Time Donor
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: Phoenix Children's Hospital Blood Drive
Janna R. (Phoenix), First-Time Donor
Janna is honored to be selected as Vitalant's teen donor finalist for the summer Volkwagen raffle, a recognition she never expected. Her motivation to donate blood came from a desire to help others, not from any thought of personal reward. As a dedicated volunteer at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Janna sees the lifesaving power of blood donations every day, especially for children fighting cancer. Her experiences there have deeply influenced her path; see is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Arizona State University and is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. "I want other teens to know there are ways you can make a positive impact," Janna shares. "Helping people is truly the best feeling."

May 23 – Sept. 7 Goal-making Blood Drive Coordinator: Banner Del E. Webb Blood Drive
Terri Fischer (Goodyear), 6-Time Donor
A 2-time winner of Vitalant's top Impact Award for outstanding leadership in blood drive coordination, Terri is devoted to giving back to her community. She is grateful for the blood transfusion she received as a teenager after complications from a tonsillectomy. She works as an assistant in the hospital blood bank, so she continues to witness the lifesaving impact of blood on a daily basis. Terri is excited at the prospect of winning a new car, especially a VW. Her son is a mechanic who specializes in Volkswagens.

May 23 – Sept. 14 Bonus Entry Card Showroom Raffle Box: East Valley Institute of Technology-Main Blood Drive
Landen Rhoades (Queen Creek), First-Time Donor
Landen became interested in donating when students from the blood drive committee were recruiting in his class. Both his mom and stepdad are donors, and he was interested in finding out his blood type. He also thought about his aunt who requires ongoing blood transfusions because of a condition that causes blood clots. "It feels good to help people," Landen reflected. "If you have good blood, then why not donate?" Landen is studying aircraft mechanics at the East Valley Institute of Technology and hopes to secure an apprenticeship with an airline next year.