Give Blood, Get Rewards: Urgent Need for Donors in Middle Tennessee

Issue #387

23 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧️ Columbia’s Weather - Rain w/ high of 74 & low of 47

🩸 Give Blood, Get Rewards: Urgent Need for Donors in Middle Tennessee

📌 April 12: Cocoa Bella - A Fine Chocolate Social at The Mulehouse

📰 Tennessee Ranked No. 2 Friendliest State in the U.S.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Sunday, March 23rd

Monday, March 24th

Tuesday, March 25th

Wednesday, March 26th

Thursday, March 27th

Give Blood, Get Rewards: Urgent Need for Donors in Middle Tennessee

Blood Assurance, the primary blood supplier for Middle Tennessee hospitals, is experiencing a severe shortage, prompting urgent calls for donations. A combination of factors, including increased seasonal illnesses and winter weather disruptions, has significantly impacted donation levels. As a result, the current blood supply is down to just a half-day’s worth, well below the recommended two- to three-day supply.

The demand for blood has also risen at local hospitals, further straining the already limited supply. To encourage donations, Blood Assurance is offering incentives. Donors who give now through March 31 will be entered into a drawing for a $500 e-gift card. Additionally, O-negative blood donors and AB plasma donors will receive a $25 e-gift card.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old—16 with parental consent—weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Those planning to donate are advised to stay hydrated and eat a substantial meal beforehand.

Blood Assurance, a nonprofit organization established in 1972, supplies more than 70 healthcare facilities across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Donations made in Middle Tennessee directly benefit local patients in need.

With hospitals relying on consistent blood supplies for lifesaving treatments, community participation is essential in ensuring that patients receive the care they need.

April 12: Cocoa Bella - A Fine Chocolate Social at The Mulehouse

Agathos Classical School invites the community to attend Cocoa Bella 2025 – A Fine Chocolate Social on Saturday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at The Mulehouse in Columbia. This enchanting evening offers guests a chance to support the school while indulging in fine chocolates, mingling with friends, and participating in a lively auction for a great cause.

Transforming The Mulehouse into an enchanting outdoor garden atmosphere, this year’s event captures the essence of early spring. Attendees will enjoy a delightful live auction featuring an array of lawn, garden, and outdoor items, all while being serenaded by a jazz harpist, adding a touch of elegance to the evening’s ambiance.

The menu promises a mouth-watering selection of culinary delights. Guests can savor a variety of local farm-fresh cheeses, indulge in two meat carving stations, and delight in venison summer sausage and savory bites. Sweet treats will abound with mini chocolate haupia pies, chocolate mousse cups, assorted cake balls, meringues, and rich chocolate baklava. Artisan vanilla and chocolate egg cream sodas will be prepared onsite, and Muletown Coffee Roasters will serve their beloved coffees, complemented by farm-fresh cold milk.

Attendees will enjoy a self-guided tasting experience, sampling fine chocolates paired with palate-cleansing sparkling water. A dedicated area will feature an exquisite selection of truffles and bonbons sourced from local and international artisans.

The highlight of the evening will be a live auction led by Eddie Ables, featuring exciting items for everyone, including an apiary starter kit complete with a beehive and swarm box, paired with a consultation and bootcamp from local bee expert and author, Adam Martin of Bee Kept. 

Additional offerings include a Dinner and Flower Event at the home of Amy Montgomery for ten guests, a group kayaking trip with Higher Pursuits, a VIP package for The Homestead Festival including a three-month supply of farm-fresh eggs, and more! The evening will also showcase a spring planter and container sale, bursting with vibrant blooms. Bidding promises to be spirited, entertaining, and a significant part of the evening’s enjoyment!

Tickets are available for $50 per person and can be purchased online at seetickets.us/cocoa412 or by visiting The Mulehouse website. Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation may contact the office of Agathos Classical School at (931) 388-0556.

Cocoa Bella benefits Agathos Classical School—a 21-year-old classical Christian institution serving grades pre-K through 12. Employing proven classical methods, students cultivate a joy for learning, the discipline of critical thinking, and the wisdom to communicate eloquently. These essential skills prepare graduates to excel in life, Soli Deo Gloria—to the glory of God alone. The school is situated on seventeen rolling acres at the corner of Tom Hitch Parkway and Mapleash Avenue in Columbia and is currently expanding with a new 15,000 sq ft classroom space under construction. To learn more, please visit us on campus or online at AgathosSchool.com.

Tennessee Ranked No. 2 Friendliest State in the U.S.

Tennessee has been recognized as one of the friendliest states in the country, securing the No. 2 spot in a recent ranking by World Population Review. Known for its southern hospitality and welcoming residents, Tennessee stands out among states that embrace visitors with warmth and charm.

The ranking was based on data from two sources: Big 7 Travel’s "politeness index" survey and Zippia’s list of each state’s average tipping rate. Big 7 Travel surveyed 2.5 million social media followers, with Tennessee placing second in friendliness. However, the state ranked lower in tipping culture, coming in at No. 21 with an average tipping rate of 15.9%.

Other states known for their welcoming nature also made the list, including South Carolina at No. 3 and Texas at No. 4. Minnesota claimed the top spot, living up to its reputation for "Minnesota nice." On the opposite end of the spectrum, New York was ranked as the least friendly state.

With its reputation for warmth and hospitality, Tennessee continues to be a destination where visitors feel at home and residents take pride in sharing the best of their state.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Sunday, March 23rd

Todd Ciprian, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7  PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

(Sponsor)

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