Nearly 400 people rolled up their sleeves Wednesday, June 3  in an effort to save the life of  three year-old Gibbs Antoine this week in Fort Pierce. 287 pints of blood were collected on behalf of little Gibbs, who is suffering from a malignant brain tumor and needs blood transfusions regularly. The Van Duzer Foundation hosted a blood drive on Wednesday, June 3^rd in cooperation with Riverside National Bank and Florida’s Blood Centers. Not only did the one-day drive break the Treasure Coast record for blood donations; Scott Van Duzer, owner of the Fort Pierce Big Apple Pizza and Pasta and Founder of the Van Duzer Foundation donated all proceeds from the evening’s sales to the Antoine Family. A line of customers snaked through the building and over $4,300 was raised to help Gibbs’ family through a difficult time both emotionally and financially.

  Josenel Antoine, Gibbs’ father, is a phlebotomist for Florida’s Blood Centers and, along with 30 other members of the Blood Center family, helped staff the five big red buses that filled the lot at the Fort Pierce Big Apple Pizza and Pasta. Among the many generous donors and dignitaries who came out to support Gibbs and the event were Sheriff Ken Mascara, Public Defender Diamond Litty, Former Port St. Lucie Police Chief John Skinner, Fort Pierce Mayor Bob Benton, State Representative Adam Fetterman, Riverside Bank President Pat Alley, IRSC Athletic Director Scott Kimmelman, St. Lucie County Veteran’s Services Director Paul Hiott, County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, School Superintendent Michael Lannon, local legend Jane Rowley of Core Communities and members of the IRSC Fire Academy and Championship Men’s and Women’s Swim Teams.

  Pending approval from Medicaid, Gibbs, who has battling the malignant brain tumor for the past year, is expected to travel to Duke University Hospital this summer for further treatment. Meanwhile, little Gibbs is in and out of the hospital for treatments to fight his disease. Because of the incredible turnout, some individuals were unable to give at the wildly successful Wednesday drive. Florida’s Blood Center Donor Development Coordinator Tracy Skinner, said the Center will continue to accept donations on behalf of little Gibbs upon request. If other organizations or groups would like to host a blood drive, please contact Skinner at (772) 215-8093.  During the past 12 months, the Van Duzer Foundation has raised and distributed over $60,000 to benefit families and individuals in the community experiencing financial and personal hardship brought about by unforeseen crisis or tragedy. To learn more about theVan Duzer Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thevanduzerfoundation.org.