Late NBA legend Bill Walton to be honored in hometown La Mesa with blood drive

LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Known affectionately as "Mr. San Diego," late NBA Hall-of-Famer Bill Walton is being honored in his hometown on what would have been his 73rd birthday, and the celebration is fitting for his larger-than-life, compassionate personality.

On Wednesday, the 2nd Annual Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive will take place at Grossmont Center in La Mesa, next to Chuze Fitness, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the blood drive event, fans and San Diegans can pay tribute to the local legend while carrying on Walton's legacy by donating blood to help others.

Donors will also receive an exclusive blood drive t-shirt, which is appropriately designed in tie-dye colors, truly capturing Walton's fun-loving spirit and his life-time love of the Grateful Dead.

You can schedule an appointment to donate, and walk-ins are also welcome. To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. A photo ID with a date of birth is also required.

It is also recommended to arrive hydrated.

Walton was born and raised in La Mesa, California, and graduated from Helix High School in 1970 before winning back-to-back NCAA basketball championships with UCLA (1971 and 1972). He went on to play in the NBA for 10 seasons, winning titles with the Portland Trailblazers (1977) and Boston Celtics (1986).

Walton died on May 24, 2024, after a prolonged battle with cancer.