For the City Times
Submitted by Mike Leon

Braving below-zero weather, the community and visitors from as far-away as Chicago gathered to honor Allen Braund, donating some 39 units of whole blood and platelets, critical for the healing efforts of the medical profession.

“Every year at the event, it’s January so it’s cold and every yea people rallying around Allen walk away feeling warm and reinvigorated, knowing we have helped our community and our fellows,” said Mary Captain-Braund, wife of Allen.

The feeling is confirmed by medical professionals and staff who gratefully acknowledge the help of dedicated community members.

“Benefits such as Allen Braund’s ensure the Blood Center of Wisconsin will be able to provide the blood products patients need at the local hospitals we serve,” said Becky Brown, a staff member from the Blood Center.

The enterprise of coming together to pass our life-blood to others awakens in many the connections that bring us together, says the family.

One young gentleman donating around 12:30 p.m. told family members he read about the event in Wisconsin Rapids City Times, so he “came on over.”

And the beautiful Wisconsin Rapids region is the place where unity and decency reign supreme.