Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive Returns to the 2026 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), in collaboration with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, will once again present the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive during the 2026 Chicago Auto Show. The show will run from February 7 through February 16, 2026, at McCormick Place.

Blood donations will be accepted each day beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until two hours prior to the auto show’s closing time. The donation site will be located directly on the show floor at the Versiti booth, allowing attendees to conveniently participate in this lifesaving initiative while attending the event.

The annual blood drive commemorates Dennis Buckley, a devoted Chicago Auto Show staff member whose enthusiasm for blood donation helped shape the drive into a longstanding tradition. After his death from cancer in 2004, the initiative was renamed in his memory to honor his dedication to service, generosity, and community involvement.

Lauren Buckley, Dennis Buckley’s wife, shared that helping others was central to his values, both through his work with the Chicago Auto Show and his commitment to donating blood. She noted that the Auto Show played a significant role in his life, and the continuation of the blood drive more than two decades later is deeply meaningful to their family. She added that Dennis would be proud of the lives potentially saved through the drive and would urge eligible attendees to consider donating, emphasizing how one simple act can have a powerful impact.

Over the past 20-plus years, the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive has become an important part of the Chicago Auto Show, uniting visitors, exhibitors, and partners to help address seasonal blood shortages during the winter months.

Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand said the drive reflects Dennis Buckley’s compassion and lasting connection to both the Auto Show and the broader community. She highlighted that the ongoing partnership with Versiti gives attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to save lives while continuing to honor Buckley’s legacy.

Those interested in donating may schedule an appointment online through the Chicago Auto Show blood drive webpage, though walk-in donors will also be accepted throughout the event.

Eligible donors include individuals aged 17 and older who are in good overall health. Sixteen-year-olds may participate with parental consent, and all donors are required to present a valid government-issued photo ID. The donation process typically takes about one hour, and each donation can help save up to three lives.

Shelley Whitsey Mitchell, Senior Director of Blood Services at Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, noted that the blood drive offers a valuable way to involve the Chicago community in critical, lifesaving efforts. She explained that all blood collected during the Auto Show is used to support local hospitals and patients, helping maintain a reliable blood supply when demand is highest.

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