December 21, 2007 (Dedham, MA) -- Alan Hawkes of Woburn Mass. received an unexpected Christmas present when he was awarded two tickets to this Sunday's Patriots game against the Miami Dolphins for being the 20,000th "Bob's Squad" donor at Tuesday's blood drive sponsored by Bob's Discount Furniture with the American Red Cross at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Hawkes, a long-time Patriots fan who has never been able to get tickets to a Patriots game, was overwhelmed with the unexpected honor. Hawkes said he would take his son, Chris, who recently returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq dismantling road-side bombs and who will celebrate his 24th birthday at home on December 29th.

Hawkes heard about Bob's blood drive hosted by the New England Patriots on the radio and welcomed the opportunity to donate at Gillette stadium. Hawkes is a long-time donor and started donating regularly after 9/11. Hawkes says he donates blood "to preserve life." Although Hawkes was honored as a special donor for being the 20,000th blood donor since Bob Kaufman of Bob's Discount Furniture began hosting blood drives at his stores in 1996, Hawkes said he believes "every donor is special because they are giving the gift of life."

Hawkes proudly posed for pictures dressed in Patriots gear and displaying his prized tickets with Bob Kaufman of Bob's Discount Furniture; Pete Brock, President of the Patriots Alumni Club; Joanne Newton, CEO of the American Red Cross, Massachusetts Region and, Donna Morrissey, Director of Public Affairs, American Red Cross Northeast Division.

Hawkes is a Vietnam veteran and served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. He works for Kraft Foods in Woburn, Mass., where he says he makes the Jell-O! Hawkes is married and has one son.

Tuesday's blood drive was the first time Bob's Discount Furniture and the American Red Cross sponsored a blood drive with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Bob Kaufman arranged to have the World Champion New England Patriots join him with the participation of Patriot players past and present and the Patriot Cheerleaders. Over 500 people made appointments in advance and 152 walked in during the blood drive to donate blood. In total, Bob Kaufman and the New England Patriots Blood Drive collected 515 productive units.

Donors had the opportunity to meet and greet Patriots player Kevin Faulk. Faulk delighted the crowd when he walked through the stadium's Fidelity Investments Clubhouse - West, shaking hands and thanking donors. Donors looking for another Patriots win in their unblemished season cheered Faulk on with cries of "16 and 0." "We're trying!" Faulk said. Past players Steve Nelson, John Smith and Pete Brock signed photos for donors and families who stood in line for the chance to talk with Patriots legends and get their autographs. Steve Nelson and John Smith were eligible to donate blood and did so while they were there.

All presenting donors were eligible to enter a drawing for two pairs of coveted tickets to this Sunday's New England Patriots game against the Miami Dolphins and received a special commemorative Bob's Discount Furniture New England Patriots Give Blood t-shirt.

Now in its 11th year, the number of Bob's blood drives has increased as Bob's Discount Furniture stores have expanded throughout the Northeast. Coupled with the drives at Bob's stores the following day, Bob Kaufman will collect over 2,000 units at his drives on behalf of the American Red Cross this year alone.

"The American Red Cross owes a great debt of gratitude for the success of this blood drive to Bob Kaufman, the New England Patriots and all the blood donors who gave up their time to come to Gillette Stadium and donate blood," said Joanne Newton, CEO American Red Cross, Massachusetts. "Their commitment to this lifesaving mission is particularly welcome at this time of year when donations are low due to recent winter storms. We ask all who are eligible to make an appointment to donate blood as our urgent need continues and the need for blood continues every day."

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for over 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services supplies a wide range of blood components, plasma derivatives, and transfusion services to over 200 hospitals and medical facilities throughout New England. To donate blood through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.