Campus News

Annual Blood Battle is Close Entering Day Three

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2012) — It’s a cat and dog fight. After the second day of Big Blue Crush, Kentucky leads Tennessee by only 13 pints, 1,088 to 1,075.

“This contest is always close, and this year it’s a real nail biter,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s executive director of marketing and recruitment. “But we want to celebrate our 25th anniversary of Crush with a decisive victory. We urge our Big Blue Nation of lifesavers not to wait until the last minute.”

The 25th annual Big Blue Crush, which pits Kentucky fans against Tennessee fans, runs through Friday and helps to assure an adequate blood supply for the holidays. Donors will receive a short-sleeve, black, commemorative Big Blue Crush T-shirt, a coupon for a free McDonald’s McCafe’ beverage, a Bleed Blue wristband and a chance to win daily prizes. 

One lucky Wednesday donor will win a Kindle Fire.

KBC has donor centers in Lexington, Pikeville and Somerset, and the city leaders in all three communities have proclaimed Nov. 12-16 as Big Blue Crush Week. KBC donor centers are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. all week.

Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) donors have claimed the Crush trophy the past two years, but Tennessee leads the competition 12 to 11 with 1 tie. Last year more than 3,200 Kentucky donors gave blood. This year, KBC officials hope to see 3,500.

To schedule a donation or to find a Big Blue Crush blood drive, visit kybloodcenter.org or call (800) 775-2522.

Blood donors must have a photo I.D., be 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at www.kybloodcenter.org.

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Denise Fields, (859) 519-3721