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Hope in Every Drop: Milwaukee Shows Up for Versiti on King

Milwaukee — March 05, 2026
The Hope in Every Drop Luncheon raised more than $94,000 to support Versiti on King, the only blood center on Milwaukee's north side and a hub where neighbors find health education, workforce training, and resources that help families thrive.

More than 180 people gathered at the Hilton Milwaukee on March 4 with a shared belief: When we partner authentically with communities, we build something extraordinary together.

The Hope in Every Drop Luncheon raised more than $94,000 to support Versiti on King, the only blood center on Milwaukee's north side and a hub where neighbors find health education, workforce training, and resources that help families thrive.

Partnership in Action

Twenty sponsors stepped forward to prove that Milwaukee takes care of its own. Supporters raised paddles and committed resources that will strengthen the work happening every day at Versiti on King within the ThriveOn Collaboration (2153 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1600, Milwaukee, WI 53212).

Stories That Move Us

Shawn Jones shared what blood donation means to her family. A Versiti team member for 17 years, she leads our phlebotomy team in Milwaukee. Both of her adult children, Shatoya and Darryl, live with sickle cell anemia and receive lifesaving blood transfusions every four weeks. Her story reminded every person in that room why this work matters.

Dora Clayton-Jones, PhD, associate professor at Marquette University’s College of Nursing, challenged us to reimagine healthcare built through authentic partnership, to fight fatalism, and to build a brighter future for sickle cell warriors in Milwaukee.

Shawn Jones shared what blood donation means to her family. A Versiti team member for 17 years, she leads our phlebotomy team in Milwaukee. Both of her adult children, Shatoya and Darryl, live with sickle cell anemia and receive lifesaving blood transfusions every four weeks. Her story reminded every person in that room why this work matters.
Before the program began, 21 attendees participated in complimentary blood typing, requiring only a finger poke, and many discovered something powerful. Six people learned they carry Ro blood, a rare subtype that's the safest possible transfusion partner for sickle cell warriors.

Discovery in Action

Before the program began, 21 attendees participated in complimentary blood typing, requiring only a finger poke, and many discovered something powerful. Six people learned they carry Ro blood, a rare subtype that's the safest possible transfusion partner for sickle cell warriors. Among them: event emcee Kristin Pierce, who now knows her blood could save lives in ways she never imagined.

What Your Support Makes Possible

The funds raised on March 4 create real impact:

  • Blood donations at Versiti on King save lives right here in Milwaukee.
  • Health screenings catch problems early, making more effective treatments within reach.
  • Workforce training opens doors for Milwaukeeans to grow.
  • Education programs equip community members with knowledge and resources to thrive.

Versiti on King flips the traditional healthcare model. We don't ask people to come to us and fit into our systems. We listen to what neighbors need, meet them where they are, and live our mission through our work.

Thank You for Standing with Us

To every sponsor, every supporter, every person who raised a paddle: Thank you. You strengthened Versiti on King and the community we serve. You proved that hope lives in every drop and in every partnership.

This is just the beginning. Together, we're building healthier neighborhoods, expanding opportunities, and showing what's possible when we serve shoulder to shoulder.

Learn more about Versiti on King and how you can support this work at www.versiti.org/ways-to-give/versiti-on-king. 

 

Hope in Every Drop: Milwaukee Shows Up for Versiti on King

More than 180 people gathered at the Hilton Milwaukee on March 4 with a shared belief: When we partner authentically with communities, we build something extraordinary together.
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