Young Man Gives Back -- A Gallon of Blood

Millennials get a lot of bad press, but it’s just not true.

Here’s a story about a young man who has been giving back to his community since he was six years old and watched the towers fall in New York City. A week ago, on October 24, 2014, he turned twenty years old, but before he did he received a pin from the Red Cross for donating a gallon of blood.

Anthony Angelini began donating blood just after his 16th birthday. He felt it was another way he could give back. But the need to donate became more urgent when his friend, Ashley Jensen-Pray, was diagnosed with cancer at 17 years old. Ashley had been his girlfriend through grades eight and nine, and they remained friends and sang together in the Westlake High School Choir.

Sadly Ashley lost her battle with cancer on December 8, 2013, at the early age of twenty. But Anthony continues to donate blood, noting that 24 people received needed blood. While he takes the act of donating seriously, he does it with a sense of humor. He often posts photos on Instagram and message on his twitter account. In March of 2013, he said, “I gave blood and the nurse gave me a little cow. (#ItGoesMooWhenYouSqueezeIt) Then we watched Judge Judy for about an hour and I sang Whitney Houston and played piano.”

A photo he posted in November 2013 had the caption: “The nurse had to take this picture because I tried to take a selfie and dropped my phone on my face. They said I was the happiest donor they had all day.” The last time he donated blood, he showed up dressed as a vampire. Kids these days.

Anthony grew up in Westlake Village, California. On his seventh birthday his friends arrived at his party with checks ranging from $10 to $40. Anthony asked them to bring checks made out to the New York City Fire Department and no presents. He raised over $400 for children who lost their parents in the 911 attacks.

Now a full time student at Santa Monica College, Anthony works for Angelini Trading Company’s division, Angelini Entertainment, specializing in the coordination and running of nonprofit events. This is something he has been doing since he was 12 years old, producing music concerts that have benefited causes ranging from animals to education.

His company is currently involved in a partnership with Fame and Philanthropy, which produces annual charity fundraisers on the night of the Academy Awards. In 2014 Fame and Philanthropy featured keynote speaker James Cameron and special guests Charlize Theron and Halle Berry for their Oscar party.

His most recent event in collaboration with Fame & Philanthropy benefited Always in the Club Foundation. This September, over 300 people attended the event at the W Hotel in Hollywood that featured speakers from the movie industry and a keynote address from Afghan entrepreneur and businesswoman, Roya Mahboob, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2013.

About her Anthony claims, “She is pretty much my hero.”

Pew Research has positive news about millennials, calling them “Confident. Connected. Open to Change”. That seems to be the case with Anthony Angelini, who wants to legally change his middle name to “Adventure.” His current legal name begins with an A already, and as soon as he has enough money he is going to file the paperwork.

Anthony still keeps in touch with Ashley’s family. Her mother lives in New Orleans and Anthony hopes to visit there during Mardi Gras. He also continues to help raise money for Mattel Children’s hospital, where Ashley was treated, and for pediatric cancer research.

Anthony’s best message however is “Always B+.” It’s not only his blood type, it’s his motto. You can follow Anthony on twitter @LosAngelini.

Marmelcommunications@yahoo.com