Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ helps hero donor reach his 50th state
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Summary
Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ and a partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Vinton Smith was able to complete his 50-state blood donation journey on World Blood Donor Day.
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with 60 employees, also rolled up their sleeves to donate blood — joining the lifesaving effort at a time of year when donations typically run low.
On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, Vinton Smith completed his nearly two decade mission of donating blood in all 50 states.
Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel,’ the Pennsylvania resident and his family flew to Hawai‘i for his final donation. Alaska provided roundtrip flights and hotel accommodations for Vinton, his wife, and their two children from Baltimore to Honolulu — turning his final stop into a meaningful family journey and a powerful reminder that one selfless act can touch an entire community.
Last summer, Alaska flew Vinton to Anchorage, where he donated blood in the 49th state at the Blood Bank of Alaska. In recognition of the critical need for blood donations, the airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization’s vital work across the state.
Photos by Kane Andrade
Alaska also provided a hotel stay for Vinton’s mother, who first inspired him to become a blood donor as a young boy, so she could witness her son complete his extraordinary mission. On World Blood Donor Day, Vinton was proudly joined by his mother, his wife, and their two children — who also stepped forward to donate blood. It was a powerful moment of compassion and legacy, as three generations came together in support of a lifesaving cause.
“As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself, and since then, I’ve donated blood 139 times and platelets 45 times for a total of 239 units of whole blood, platelets or plasma,” said Vinton. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness. Donating blood doesn’t just save lives — it brings hope and comfort to those in need and their families, reminding us of the incredible difference we can make in each other’s lives.”
“Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey and witnessing the impact he’s made—not just through his blood donations, but through the way he shares his story to inspire others to give. It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone and celebrate the generosity that defines both his mission and our values.”
Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with approximately 60 employees, took part in the crucial cause by giving blood. On June 12, the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sent a donor vehicle to the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has a longstanding partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i — a HawaiianMiles charity organization — to ensure the timely and regular transport of blood supply across the islands.
“We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that neighbor island residents can both contribute to and rely on a stable, statewide blood supply. No other airline enables the consistent interisland transport of blood the way Hawaiian Airlines Cargo does. Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state,” said Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen, CEO of Blood Bank of Hawai‘i.
The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i thanked donors on World Blood Donor Day with a free t-shirt and gift card for joining Vinton on his lifesaving mission.
To help drive participation leading up to June 14, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to offer a special incentive: anyone who donated blood at any of BBH’s fixed locations through June 8 was entered into a sweepstakes to win one of two pairs of roundtrip tickets to any Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines destination in North America or Hawai‘i. The winners were announced on World Blood Donor Day.
Longs Hawaii also rallied behind the lifesaving mission by honoring the first 100 donors at the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i’s two fixed locations with $5 gift cards. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i proudly joined the celebration, offering Slurpee® coupons, Li Hing Mango snacks and refreshing 7-Eleven Hawai‘i Green Tea and Coffee. These generous contributions reflect the spirit of aloha and the community’s united commitment to supporting those who step up to give the gift of life.
How to donate
Blood levels continue to be at critically low levels. Healthy individuals are encourage to schedule an appointment at their local blood bank. In Honolulu, you may schedule an appointment at bbh.org or by calling (808) 848-4745. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has several mobile locations as well as the following fixed locations:
Young Street Donor Center: 1907 Young Street Honolulu; (808) 848-4770; Open 6:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Waikele Center: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu; (808) 848-4770; Open 7 am – 3 pm
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