UPDATE: The 1st Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive collected more than 270 units of lifesaving blood in memory of a great legacy. Thank you to everyone who supported this meaningful event.
Donors Receive Exclusive, Limited-Edition Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive T-shirt* for Giving Blood at the Y on November 4.
This November, San Diego will come together to honor one of its own—Bill Walton, fondly remembered as “Mr. San Diego.”
As a basketball legend, an advocate for community service, and a passionate fan of the Grateful Dead, Walton embodied the spirit of San Diego in every way.
To commemorate his legacy, the inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive will take place at the Mission Valley YMCA, a place where Walton was a member and friend. It’s fitting that it’s being held the day before what would have been his 72nd birthday.
There’s a statue of Bill at the Y that reminds everyone who walks by of the positive person he was and the joy of life he shared with all who knew him.
Join us in saving lives, celebrating Bill Walton’s legacy, and creating lasting positive change in our community’s health.
Together, we honor number 32 by making a difference—one blood donation at a time.
WHAT: 1st Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive
WHEN: Monday, November 04, 2024 | 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
WHERE: Mission Valley YMCA
5505 Friars Road (East Side Parking Lot)
San Diego, CA 92110 [ Map ]
EXCLUSIVE, limited-edition Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive T-shirt* for blood donors at this drive ONLY, 11/4/2024, while sizes and supplies last.
This event is more than just a blood drive—it’s a celebration of a life that impacted not only the world of sports but also the heart of the community.
Bill Walton was known for his optimism and fun personality, but mostly for his towering presence on the court, from his days dominating high school basketball at Helix High in La Mesa to his NCAA championships at UCLA and his Hall of Fame career in the NBA. But beyond the accolades, Walton cared deeply about giving back to his hometown.
Bernie Wilson’s post-humous tribute to Walton makes a big statement: “Bill Walton might have been the ultimate San Diegan.”
The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial also reveals that, “At 6-foot-11, [Walton] was believed to be the world’s tallest Deadhead. He once stated that he had seen his beloved Grateful Dead 849 times. The house where he lived for more than four decades near Balboa Park was practically a tie-dyed shrine to the Dead and had a teepee in the backyard.”
In the spirit of Bill’s 71 amazing years, passion for community, and his love for music—especially the Grateful Dead—we invite you to come together, save lives, and keep San Diego thriving. Just as Bill brought people together through his remarkable achievements and his unyielding joy for life, this blood drive offers a way for us all to contribute to the community he loved so much.
Why This Blood Drive Matters
Blood donations save lives every day, ensuring local hospitals have the resources to care for patients in need. By donating at the Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive, you will not only be helping people in our community but also be honoring the legacy of someone who was dedicated to making San Diego a better place for everyone.
Plus, all blood donors at this special event will receive an exclusive, limited-edition tie-dyed Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive T-shirt*—an emblem that perfectly blends Bill’s vibrant personality and love for the Grateful Dead. But more importantly, you’ll be a part of something meaningful: a collective effort to give back, just as Bill would have wanted.
How You Can Help
Join San Diegans on November 4 at the Mission Valley YMCA for a day of generosity and remembrance. Walk-ins are welcome, but we encourage you to make an appointment ahead of time to secure your spot and ensure we can accommodate as many donors as possible.
Save the date, spread the word, and be a part of this extraordinary event. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bill Walton or simply someone who cares about helping others, your contribution will make an impact.
Let’s keep the spirit of community and generosity alive, just as Bill did throughout his life.
Rest in Peace, Bill Walton (November 5, 1952 – May 24, 2024)
Can’t make the blood drive, or not eligible to give? You can still do something wonderful for the community in memory of Bill Walton. Donors are welcome to donate blood in memory of Bill Walton at any donor center or mobile blood drive. Be sure to mention the donation code**: BW32 to commemorate donating in his honor. Thank you for saving lives with us.
*T-shirts are ONLY available for blood donors at this blood drive event 11/04/2024; while supplies last; sizes are subject to availability. Not for resale. T-shirt image is provided for illustration purposes only. Actual item may vary.
**Donation code: BW32 tracks the number of donations made in honor of Bill across all locations. Donors who donate with this code will not receive a T-shirt as the T-shirt is exclusive to that one-day blood drive event only.
For questions regarding this blood drive promotion, contact donorservices@sdbb.org.
Sources:
“Helix High School Remembers 1970 Graduate Bill Walton.” ABC 10 News, YouTube, uploaded by ABC 10 News, https://youtu.be/-wSWZgN2ZU8. Accessed 18 Oct 2024.
Kershner, Ava. “Bill Walton was ‘quite the presence,” Mission Valley YMCA members say.” 10 News, 28 May 2024, https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/bill-walton-was-quite-the-presence-mission-valley-ymca-members-say. Accessed 18 Oct 2024.
Walker, Justin. “Bill Walton Honored at Dead & Company Sphere Performance.” Fox 5 San Diego, https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/bill-walton-honored-at-dead-company-sphere-performance/. Accessed 18 Oct 2024.
Weisberg, Lori. “He Was ‘Mr. San Diego’: Basketball Icon Bill Walton Remembered for His Generosity, Philanthropy, Civic Pride.” San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2024, www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/05/27/he-was-mr-san-diego-basketball-icon-bill-walton-remembered-for-his-generosity-philanthropy-civic-pride/. Accessed 18 Oct 2024.
Wilson, Bernie. “Bill Walton Loved His Bike and His Hometown of San Diego. He Died of Cancer at Age 71.” San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024, www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/05/27/bill-walton-loved-his-bike-and-his-hometown-of-san-diego-he-died-of-cancer-at-age-71/. Accessed 18 Oct 2024.
