Gold Star Chili, a 90-unit, Cincinnati-based restaurant chain was recognized by America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national professional association blood bank organizations, as Corporation of the Year for its ongoing community partnership with Hoxworth Blood Center and the University of Cincinnati.

Gold Star was selected as Corporation of the Year from among hundreds of corporate nominees from around the nation. The award was presented at VIP event at America’s Blood Centers’ national conference in Washington, D.C. on March 23.

For the past five years, Gold Star Chili has collaborated with the University of Cincinnati–affiliated, Hoxworth Blood Center, to promote and conduct a summer-long blood drive at more than 30 of the restaurant’s Greater Cincinnati locations, which were visited by the Hoxworth Bloodmobile. Blood donors received a “tour” T-shirt and a free combo meal at Gold Star. Events were also held at the eight local Hoxworth donation centers where donors received the same thank-you package from Gold Star. Since initiating the partnership, Hoxworth has received approximately 7,500 units of blood during the summer months when the need is most critical.

In 2015, as part of its 50th Anniversary commemoration, Gold Star Chili has set the goal of 50 units of blood from each stop on this summer’s blood drive tour.

Greater Cincinnati is Chilitown USA, and Gold Star Chili is the Flavor of Cincinnati. Gold Star operated 90-plus restaurants located throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana and is featuring at Paul Brown Stadium, Rupp Arena, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Founded in 1965, Gold Star Chili will be commemorating its 50th Anniversary throughout 2015.