Nudist Resort to Hold Annual Blood Drive

Elysium Fields takes the work out of giving blood. Donors don’t have to roll up their sleeves--they’re probably not wearing any at the clothing-optional resort in Topanga.

The resort will hold its annual American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 814 Robinson Road.

Officials said the drive has been a tradition for more than a decade, and this year is held in conjunction with Elysium’s Labor Day Festival weekend.

“We’ve always kind of known that in nude recreation, there are a lot of people in tune with nature, and very much into life,” said Betty Lesley, program coordinator. “With the blood drive, we’re making a statement about life.”

Resort and Red Cross officials require donors to bring photographic identification, and refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before donating.

The drive is open to the general public in the resort’s clubhouse. Blood donors must be at least 18, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

The Labor Day festival will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, but is open only to those who have attended an orientation tour of the grounds.

“We want to make sure everybody understands how it works here,” Lesley said.

For those interested, a tour will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday. Admission to the festival is $10, and includes music, poetry, dancing and food.

“It’s kind of like a love-in,” Lesley said.

For more information, call (310) 455-1000.