American Red Cross | Central Ohio Blood Services Region




		Media Center Ohio State and University of Michigan face off in 28th Blood Battle Annual competition between schools generates thousands of blood donations November 2009 Students and fans of Ohio State University and the University of Michigan are gearing up for the two schools’ annual Blood Battle. From Sunday, Nov. 1, to Friday, Nov. 20, the archrivals will partner with the American Red Cross to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. Blood Battle has highlighted the first weeks of November leading up to the day the schools face off on the football field every year since 1981. “Michigan won the 2008 Blood Battle, and hopes to repeat the victory this year,” said Rodney Wilson, communications manager for the local Red Cross blood program. “Ohio State had taken home the traveling trophy for five consecutive years from 2003 to 2007, and is eager to regain it.” Blood Battle drives generate thousands of blood donations for patients in need through the American Red Cross every year. “The competition really motivates fans to donate blood at a key time,” Wilson said. “It provides an important boost for the blood supply as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. During the busy holiday season it’s important not to forget the constant need for volunteer blood donors.” Extra incentive: In addition to the chance to support their favorite team, those who come to donate in the region during Blood Battle can enter to win a pair of tickets to the Nov. 21 OSU-Michigan game and overnight package in Ann Arbor, MI. And those who come to give at The Ohio State University main and satellite campuses will receive an "I Bleed Scarlet and Gray" rally towel. Results of this year’s Blood Battle will be announced at the stadium during the Nov. 21 game in Ann Arbor, Mich. “Of course, the real winners of Blood Battle are always the patients who rely on potentially lifesaving blood transfusions to help them through injury and illness,” Wilson said. Blood Battle is proudly sponsored by WBNS-10TV and 97.1 FM The Fan. Promotion Rules and Regulations Promotion Period: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, through Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. Prize: One grand prize will be awarded, a pair of tickets to The Ohio State University vs. University of Michigan football game on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. A winner will be selected in a random drawing Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. The winner will be notified that day. If the winner does not respond to attempts to be contacted within approximately 24 hours, an alternate will be offered the prize package. All references hereafter to the “Red Cross” shall refer to the Central Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. All presenting donors will be issued one ticket to be entered in the drawing. All volunteer whole blood, double red and apheresis donors are eligible to enter; autologous, directed and therapeutic donors are not eligible. Presenting blood donors at Central Ohio blood donor centers and blood drives will be issued one entry ticket. American Red Cross paid staff members are not eligible to win. Entry tickets are nontransferable and have no cash value. The odds of winning are based on the number of entrants. Presenting apheresis donors will be issued one entry ticket for each apheresis donation made during the campaign period. Decision of the judges is final in determining the winners through an impartial drawing. Winners will be notified. Names of winners will be available by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. Winners must show valid ID to claim prize, and minors may accept the prize with ID and signed permission of a parent or legal guardian. The Red Cross is not responsible for accidents/damage to property or person incurred while using the prizes. Prizes are nonrefundable and cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited. Blood drive sponsors have the right to decline participation. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. 09/08AP752			Media contacts Central Ohio Blood Services (614) 253-2740 1-800-338-8086 Rodney J. Wilson Communications Manager extension 2347 WilsonRo@usa.redcross.org Heather Reichle Communications Specialist extension 2275 ReichleHA@usa.redcross.org Other Red Cross lines of service You can find your local Red Cross chapter by searching on redcross.org or by checking the white pages of your local phone directory. National media inquiries Click here for listings