Donatos Pizza Honors Associate’s Brother through Donate Life Campaign
Pizza, bracelets, and saving lives oh my!
Donatos and the local Donate Life affiliate, Lifeline of Ohio, announced a promotional partnership to register organ, eye and tissue donors today at the store located at 3389 Sullivant Ave., Columbus, 43204. Donatos Chairwoman Jane Grote Abell, associate and donor sister Kanisha Dumas and Lifeline of Ohio CEO Kent Holloway invited customers and the community to learn about the power everyone has to donate life as a donor.
Featured on a recent episode of CBS’s Undercover Boss, Dumas told Donatos Chairwoman Grote Abell she wears a green Donate Life awareness bracelet in honor of her brother, Taylor. He was a tissue donor when he tragically died on February 11, 2011 while playing basketball. Moved by Dumas’ story and her passion for sharing Taylor’s legacy, Grote Abell pledged to keep his memory alive by publicizing the Donate Life message and offering green bracelets to customers in their stores.
“I am so thankful for Donatos and for Donate Life,” said Dumas. “This promotion and partnership has the potential to impact so many people, just the way my brother Taylor did when he died. I started working at Donatos a month after his death and I proudly share my story with anyone who asks about the green bracelet I wear in his memory.”
Kanisha (left) thanked Donatos Chairwoman Jane Grote Abell and Donatos President and CEO Tom Krouse for all they’ve done to support her brother’s tissue donation.
The four-week promotion, February 11 – March 9, 2014, will feature Dumas’ story on box toppers, drive-thru window clings and counter cards with Donate Life informational and registration brochures. In addition, customers who donate one dollar will receive a green awareness bracelet. Proceeds benefit organ, eye and tissue donation education efforts in the local community. Stores throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia will participate in the campaign.
“Lifeline of Ohio is thrilled to partner with the trusted local brand,” said Marilyn Pongonis, director of communications. “We are grateful to Donatos for acknowledging the importance of the gifts of life shared by organ, eye and tissue donors, like Taylor. And I encourage everyone who is not already a registered donor to learn more by picking up a donation brochure when you pick up your pizza. Already a registered donor? Wear your green bracelet proudly!”