American Red Cross Plans Blood Drive

02/20/2018 

The Lynne Parks ’68 SUNY Cortland Alumni House is an important and valuable part of the SUNY Cortland campus, often opening up its stately doors for College and public events.

On Friday, March 2, the Parks Alumni House will host a blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross from 1 to 6 p.m. SUNY Cortland students, faculty, staff and the Cortland community may donate a pint to those in need.

“We think this is a great opportunity for the house to be able to give back,” said Shaunna Arnold-Plank, general manager of the Parks Alumni House. “It’s important for us to have the SUNY Cortland and local Cortland community be able to help support the American Red Cross.

“We encourage people who have never seen the house before to come and see it,” while making their gift of blood, she said.

Those wishing to donate blood may contact Arnold-Plank at 607-753-1561 to set up an appointment. Reservations may also be made online at redcrossblood.org.

The Parks Alumni House was built in 1912 by Charles Wickwire Sr., the owner and operator of Wickwire Brothers Inc., a profitable wire drawing business in Cortland in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The SUNY Cortland Alumni Association purchased the mansion in 2004 from Charles A. Gibson, who previously obtained the house from the late Jean Miller Biddle, the granddaughter of Charles Wickwire Sr.

The facility, which can host up to 10 overnight visitors in five luxurious rooms, is a popular location for social events such as weddings.

 “This is the first time the house has hosted the blood drive on campus,” Arnold-Plank said. “If it is successful, we are looking to make it an annual, community event.”

Prepared by Communications Office writing intern Hannah Bistocchi