Pittsburgh, April 15, 2013 – The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), a federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and parts of New York, invites Butler-area residents to flaunt their most creative blue and green outfits on Friday, April 19, which is National Blue and Green Day in support of organ, tissue and cornea donation awareness. CORE is holding a “Flaunt Your Colors Contest” at Clearview Mall’s Center Court (101 Clearview Circle, Butler, PA 16001), with registration taking place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. At this time, each individual/group participating will receive a number. Contest times are as follows:

• Kids under age 12 (Cutest): 6:30 p.m.
• Teens ages 13-17 (Most Creative): 7:00 p.m.
• Adults over age 18 (Most Creative): 7:30 p.m.
• Groups of 10 or more (Most Creative): 8:00 p.m.

“Blue and green represent solidarity with the ongoing movement to increase the number of people registered as organ, tissue and cornea donors. These two colors have taken on added significance during April, which is National Donate Life Month,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO of CORE. “We are proud that these colors will fill Clearview Mall as part of our ‘Flaunt Your Colors Contest,’ and we hope those in attendance will consider making the pledge for life by becoming a donor.”

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. There will also be raffles, free cookies and educational activities for kids. Local transplant recipients and donor families will be in attendance to share their personal stories.

The public is encouraged to learn more about organ, tissue and cornea donation from CORE representatives who will be present at the event, and to sign up to become a donor.

Nationally, more than 117,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant. At least 18 will die each day without receiving one, including two from CORE’s service area. For every person who donates their organs, tissues and corneas, up to 50 lives can be saved or dramatically improved.

For more information about CORE, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.

About CORE
The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States. CORE works closely with donor families and designated health care professionals to coordinate the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation. CORE also facilitates the computerized matching of donated organs and placement of corneas. With headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Charleston, West Virginia, CORE oversees a region that encompasses 155 hospitals and almost six million people throughout western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County, NY. For more information, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.