by Public Affairs Volunteer Partner Mary Alice Molgard

Chet Boehlke, Jr. understands the value and meaning of volunteerism. His parents were volunteer firefighters, and he learned early on how important it was to serve his community. Chet began donating blood in high school, continuing to this day. He now works for Market 32 and Price Chopper. His job title is System Administrator for Advertising, but his real calling is Blood Drive Coordinator.

For the past 25 years, Chet has set up and managed Red Cross blood drives at the company’s corporate headquarters in Schenectady County. Every 56 days, Chet guides his fellow Market 32 and Price Chopper employees through the process of donating blood right in the same building where they work. According to Chet, “I made the drive come to me.”

Financial Fraud Investigator Dan McManus and Marketing Strategist Mia Teal are just two of those who roll up their sleeves at work to help the company meet their regular blood drive goals.

Market 32 and Price Chopper, the Golub family, and the American Red Cross have partnered since 1999 to support 220 blood drives, collecting more than 5,300 blood units.

In recognition of this relationship and long-standing financial support from the corporation that now totals over $1million, Market 32 and Price Chopper recently received the Good Neighbor Award at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters.  

Eastern New York Regional Chief Executive Officer Kevin Coffey and Northeastern New York Chapter Board Member Sue Corney presented Chet Boehlke, Jr. and Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst with the award which recognizes organizations that go above and beyond to support the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross through service, partnership and community leadership.

The longstanding partnership between Market 32 and Price Chopper and the Red Cross ensures patients in need have access to lifesaving blood products while strengthening local disaster response efforts.

“All will concede that in order to have good neighbors, we must also be good neighbors. That applies in every field of human endeavor.” —Harry S. Truman