Annual Blood Drive at 2026 Chicago Auto Show to Save Lives in Memory of Dennis Buckley
The upcoming Chicago Auto Show, which is set to take place from February 7 to 16, 2026, will feature a special event aimed at saving lives—the annual Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive. This initiative is a collaboration between the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. Located prominently on the show floor at McCormick Place, the blood drive invites Auto Show attendees to participate in this crucial community service.
This yearly event, honoring the late Dennis Buckley—a devoted employee of the Chicago Auto Show who passed away from cancer in 2004—has become a significant tradition. Buckley's commitment to blood donation was central to establishing this drive, which has continued for over two decades, reflecting a strong community spirit and dedication to helping others. In a heartfelt statement, Lauren Buckley, Dennis’s wife, expressed the profound impact of knowing that this blood drive continues to save lives in her husband’s name, emphasizing how important the Auto Show was to him.
The blood drive will operate daily from 10 a.m. until two hours before the Auto Show closes. This setup ensures that attendees can contribute easily while enjoying the array of automobiles on display. Participants can schedule their blood donations in advance through a dedicated online platform, but walk-ins are equally welcome, making this initiative accessible to a larger audience.
Jennifer Morand, the General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, highlighted how this event serves as a powerful reminder of Dennis Buckley’s legacy and compassion. She noted that the partnership with Versiti allows both exhibitors and visitors at the Auto Show to engage in an act of kindness while maintaining the memory of a man who devoted himself to community service.
According to Shelley Whitsey Mitchell, Senior Director of Blood Services at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, the blood collected during this event directly supports local hospitals and patients in need. This relationship with the community ensures a consistent supply of blood, especially critical during the winter months, when donations typically drop.
Individuals aged 17 and older in good health are encouraged to donate, with 16-year-olds permitted to participate with parental consent. All donors must present a valid photo identification to ensure safety and compliance. The donation process takes about one hour, and each donation can potentially save up to three lives.
For those interested in participating in this life-saving effort, more information about the Chicago Auto Show is available at ChicagoAutoShow.com, while details regarding the blood donation process can be found at Versiti.org. This collaboration between two significant organizations not only underscores the importance of blood donation but also enriches the experience of thousands who attend the Auto Show each year.
The Chicago Auto Show itself has a rich history—first held in 1901, it remains the longest-running auto exposition in North America. The CATA has organized the event since 1935, making it a cornerstone of the auto industry and a beloved tradition in Chicago. This year, they aim to continue the legacy of giving back to the community through the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive, uniting attendees in an act of generosity while fostering a spirit of hope and solidarity in the face of need.
This yearly event, honoring the late Dennis Buckley—a devoted employee of the Chicago Auto Show who passed away from cancer in 2004—has become a significant tradition. Buckley's commitment to blood donation was central to establishing this drive, which has continued for over two decades, reflecting a strong community spirit and dedication to helping others. In a heartfelt statement, Lauren Buckley, Dennis’s wife, expressed the profound impact of knowing that this blood drive continues to save lives in her husband’s name, emphasizing how important the Auto Show was to him.
The blood drive will operate daily from 10 a.m. until two hours before the Auto Show closes. This setup ensures that attendees can contribute easily while enjoying the array of automobiles on display. Participants can schedule their blood donations in advance through a dedicated online platform, but walk-ins are equally welcome, making this initiative accessible to a larger audience.
Jennifer Morand, the General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, highlighted how this event serves as a powerful reminder of Dennis Buckley’s legacy and compassion. She noted that the partnership with Versiti allows both exhibitors and visitors at the Auto Show to engage in an act of kindness while maintaining the memory of a man who devoted himself to community service.
According to Shelley Whitsey Mitchell, Senior Director of Blood Services at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, the blood collected during this event directly supports local hospitals and patients in need. This relationship with the community ensures a consistent supply of blood, especially critical during the winter months, when donations typically drop.
Individuals aged 17 and older in good health are encouraged to donate, with 16-year-olds permitted to participate with parental consent. All donors must present a valid photo identification to ensure safety and compliance. The donation process takes about one hour, and each donation can potentially save up to three lives.
For those interested in participating in this life-saving effort, more information about the Chicago Auto Show is available at ChicagoAutoShow.com, while details regarding the blood donation process can be found at Versiti.org. This collaboration between two significant organizations not only underscores the importance of blood donation but also enriches the experience of thousands who attend the Auto Show each year.
The Chicago Auto Show itself has a rich history—first held in 1901, it remains the longest-running auto exposition in North America. The CATA has organized the event since 1935, making it a cornerstone of the auto industry and a beloved tradition in Chicago. This year, they aim to continue the legacy of giving back to the community through the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive, uniting attendees in an act of generosity while fostering a spirit of hope and solidarity in the face of need.
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