1951 #golm12

_{That's the unofficial number.}

More in a minute

So close...#golm12

Terry Jaye just said it looks like we're going to be 10 to 15 short and asked if the mayor could round up some of the aldermen.

Not quite done yet #golm12

There are still a bunch of people up on stage getting siphoned, and the theater is starting to attract spectators who want to see the final number.

Down to the wire #golm12

Terry Jaye sounds discouraged. He says the Elks fell short of its target and that if we make the record, it'll be by one pint.

Steve Costello is scouring the building for people who have not donated yet.

Gettin' there... #golm12

There are still people onstage and being screened, but there is almost no one left sitting in wait.

The doors are officially closed #golm12

Everyone but Steve Costello seems optimistic.

I've been told the Paramount and American Legion hit their targets, but have not been told what those targets were. The Red Cross people who spoke to me were still trying to hear from CSJ and the Elks.

Dancin' in my seat #golm12

I prevailed on Terry and Nancy to play "Christmas Wrappin'" by the Waitresses. My spirits are lifted.

Hour 8: 210 #golm12

And, yes, we're still behind.

390 to go.

This time last year, we were about 600 behind, and remember, we only finished about 110 behind..

All's fair in love and blood drives #golm12

So, we're keeping the doors open an extra 15 minutes.

Isn't that cheating?

"Hey -- we never had a time limit," Steve Costello said. "There's not rulebook."

Then his tone went from jocular to somber.

"I don't know that it's actually going to make the difference, either."

Disregard previous message #golm12

They just announced they will keep the doors open until 6:15.

Get here by 6:15, you can donate.