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Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen Increases Blood Donations by 300 Percent

Restaurant Receives “Event of the Year Award” By Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

Houston—March 31, 2008— Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen was presented with an award by the Commit for Life Group Program at the “Celebration of Life” luncheon in February 2008. 

The event was held to commemorate the achievements of gold-level donor groups who earned Path for Success awards in 2007. Gringo’s was recognized for embracing the Commit for Life Group Program and following the Path for Success by hosting at least one drive every quarter, scheduling the donors and spreading the word by forming blood drive committees.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center also presented special category awards honoring outstanding groups, events and chairpersons for their contributions. The “Event of the Year” award was given to Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen restaurants for their successful summer blood drives in July of 2007. The drives were hosted at their city-wide restaurants to increase awareness of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s mission during a time when the blood supply was low.

Blood drives were conducted at Gringo’s restaurants in Pearland, La Porte, Texas City, Stafford, Fuqua and Champions. In total, 183 people donated blood and 168 units of blood were collected (each unit can save up to three lives) by Gringo’s in an effort to raise awareness and ultimately, help save lives.

 “Gringo’s did an outstanding job with encouraging both employee and customer participation resulting in a 300 percent increase over their 2006 drives results. Their commitment clearly made a difference, as 2007 was Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s most life-saving year to date with more than 293,000 units collected – enough to help save more than 800,000 lives,” said Rebecca Jackson of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

Russell Ybarra, owner of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, couldn’t have been more honored to receive this award. “We are so fortunate to be able to host these types of events. Gringo’s will continue to help those in need whenever possible, and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center can always count on us for support,” said Ybarra.

Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen operates full-service, family dining restaurants in the Houston and San Antonio areas.  All of the restaurants provide full bar services and are open daily Sunday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen’s brand identity is stamped with the highest quality products combined with excellent value. For more information, visit www.gringosmexicankitchen.com.

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