The action was happening in Atlantic City on March 9th and 10th as New Jersey’s finest turned out in droves to help their fellow New Jerseyans. Members of the NJ State PBA rolled up their sleeves and donated over 200 units of blood at the special drive held during their mini-convention at the Trump Plaza. The men and women in blue responded to emotional appeals made by Danny DeFilippo and Joyce Ann Tippett, mother of 14-year-old Lindsey Tippett, who has helped spearhead drives on behalf of CBCNJ.

Speaking to more than 1500 delegates, Danny described the events of last May 17th when he became the sole survivor of an automobile accident that claimed the lives of four of his friends. “I’d like to thank two people,” he said, “the guy who pulled me out of the car and the stranger who donated the blood that saved my life.”

Joyce Ann Tippett made an impassioned plea to the PBA members, recalling what it was like to be a mother having to watch as her daughter Lindsey had to wait for a transfusion.

The drive was spearheaded by Patrolman Mike Pellegrino of Ewing Township, who met Lindsey, Danny and CBCNJ account manager Janet Mastrosimone at a blood drive. Mike gained the support of the State PBA president Mike Madonna and vice president Tony Wieners. With the help of the PBA’s Good and Welfare chairmen, Dennis Connelly and John Sierchio, the drive was an outstanding success. Our thanks and gratitude to all who helped make the event possible.

NJ State PBA Vice President Tony Wieners donates while Danny DeFilippo, Ewing Township Police’s Mike Pellegrino (who organized the drive with the state PBA), CBCNJ Account Manager Janet Mastrosimone and our CEO Patrick Deschenes give support.

Commissioner Ida Castro Helps the Cause. After speaking to the assembled delegates, NJ State Department of Personnel Commissioner Ida L. Castro walked next door to the Westminster Room and rolled up her sleeve to donate a unit of blood.