Culver's of Lombard fundraiser, LifeSource blood drive June 26 to support Glenbard East students injured in bonfire explosion

Culver's of Lombard will partner with LifeSource to host a daylong fundraiser and community blood drive on Tuesday, June 26, to provide support to the families of those students injured when a backyard bonfire they were attending exploded earlier this year.

According to Culver's owner Scott Martenson, the restaurant will donate 10 percent of sales generated between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. to the Glenbard East "Rams in Need" fund, which helps support students and families in need.

A LifeSource blood drive will be held in the restaurant's parking lot that day from 2 to 8 p.m., with all donors receiving a complimentary pint of Culver's frozen custard. Plasma, one of the three blood byproducts collected during a typical blood donation, is used primarily to treat burn victims.

"Patients, their families and the hospitals in the Chicago area that LifeSource serves depend on us to deliver on our promise to provide a safe and ample blood and plasma supply," said Eva Quinley, LifeSource regional director. "There remains no substitute for blood and the donation process takes less than an hour to save up to three lives."

Appointments are suggested but walk-ins are always welcome. Donors must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 years of age with parental consent), and in preparation for their donation are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification.

For more information including additional donor eligibility and qualifications, or to schedule an appointment, visit LifeSource.org or call (877) 543-3768. Please mention Group Code 890B.

"Lombard is a tightknit community, said Martenson, whose restaurant at 1155 S. Main St. is located just two blocks from Glenbard East. "We pride ourselves when it comes to supporting one another in a time of need. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students who were injured, their families, and the entire Rams family."