Join us for the 2nd Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive at Grossmont Center on November 5!
Last year, San Diegans came together at Mission Valley YMCA to honor a legend at the inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive — a heartfelt tribute to a man who gave so much to his community. This year, the celebration continues in a place that meant so much to him: his hometown of La Mesa.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive — a larger, expanded event that brings together even more donors to help save lives and carry on Bill’s legacy.
A Legacy That Reaches Far Beyond Basketball
Bill Walton’s impact extends well beyond the court. Known affectionately as “Mr. San Diego,” Walton was a proud Helix High School graduate, NBA Hall of Famer, broadcaster, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for community service.
His positivity, humility, and compassion left a lasting mark on his hometown and everyone who knew him. Whether cheering on the sidelines, riding his bike through Balboa Park, or championing local causes, Bill embodied the very best of San Diego — connection, kindness, and joy.
Last year’s inaugural blood drive at the Mission Valley YMCA brought out hundreds of donors and fans, creating an uplifting day of remembrance and community spirit. Read more about the inaugural event here.
Now, on what would have been his 73rd birthday, we invite you to celebrate his life by doing something that makes a real difference: donating blood to help local patients in need.
Blood Drive Details
WHAT:
2nd Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
WHERE:
Grossmont Center – West Court next to Chuze Fitness
Appointments are encouraged, however, walk-ins are welcome!
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in general good health.
Photo ID with Date of birth required to register. Arrive hydrated and ready to save lives!
There is plenty of parking available near the drive.
A Bigger Event, a Bigger Impact
This year’s move to Grossmont Center allows us to welcome more donors — and save even more lives. Every donation supports local hospitals and patients right here in our community.
Together, we’ll continue Bill’s legacy of positivity, compassion, and community service — one blood donation at a time.
Exclusive Blood Drive T-shirt!
Presenting donors at this blood drive will receive an exclusive 2nd Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive T-shirt* as a gift for saving lives.
Can’t Make It to the Blood Drive?
You can still give in Bill’s memory at any San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile drive by mentioning donation code BW32 when you give. Register with donation code BW32 to be counted in the total number of donations collected in memory of Bill Walton.
Every drop makes a difference — and every donation honors Bill’s enduring spirit of generosity.
*T-shirts are available while supplies last exclusively for presenting donors at this blood drive event only on November 5, 2025. Sizes are subject to availability.
All donors will receive A1C Testing* with donation as an added wellness benefit. Results will be available within 3-4 days in the donor portal.
*A1C testing with blood donation is available to successful blood donors from November 1 – 30, 2025. The results of the screening test provided are not intended for diagnostic purposes. Because a blood donation is required to receive A1C testing, we are unable to extend this opportunity to donors who are not eligible to donate during the offer period. We encourage you to share these results with your personal healthcare provider, as they can provide additional wellness and health information tailored to you.
