La Jollan on singular drive to aid blood bank

Taylor Freeman cares a lot about La Jolla.

Since graduating from San Diego State University, Freeman has established himself as a local entrepreneur, founding Taylor’s Dog Walking and Sitting Service and delivering pizza for Pizza on Pearl. He now resides in La Jolla and says he plans to stay here for the rest of his life.

But he’s about more than his entrepreneurial endeavors. He said he wants to raise awareness about the San Diego Blood Bank, an organization that he started working with about two years ago.

He says that he “does not have any family members that have blood-related diseases, but (supporting the blood bank) is a way to help the community.”

On June 28, he is participating in the San Diego Blood Bank’s 21st Annual Ironman Golf Tournament. In order to compete, Freeman must raise a minimum of $1,000. Funds collected from the tournament will help pay for bone marrow testing and assist San Diego Blood Bank’s Stem Cell Donor Center, which has registered more than 65,000 donors and transplanted more than 300 patients.

As part of his campaign to raise the required $1,000, Freeman has reached out to numerous local businesses. La Jolla Photo & Imagery donated 1,000 free fliers to support Freeman’s cause, but most businesses have been hesitant to contribute because of the rough economy that all of them have been combating.

Freeman hopes to appeal to the residents of La Jolla to help him reach his goal.

“I’m a local resident, and I want to help La Jolla,” he said. “I’m putting my name out there so I can raise money that might go out to my fellow neighbor. Please help me save good people’s lives here in San Diego.”

To donate, visit

1. Select “Make a Donation”; fill out the required information, and under additional information, select Taylor Freeman.