By
Kentucky Will Need Late Rally to Defeat Tennessee in 'Crush'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2012) — Heading into today, the final day of Big Blue Crush, Tennessee has pulled ahead by 13 donations, leading Kentucky 2,370 to 2,357.
"Dropping behind this late is a real game-changer," said Martha Osborne, executive director of marketing and recruitment for Kentucky Blood Center (KBC). "We’ve had come-from-behind victories before, but to beat Tennessee this year we need crowds of donors today."
KBC’s four donor centers — Beaumont, Andover, Pikeville and Somerset — are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. There are also blood drives on the University of Kentucky campus and in Frankfort. Find Big Blue Crush blood drive information at kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
On Friday, donors at KBC donor centers will receive one movie pass to an area cinema.
All Friday donors will also be entered to win an iPad Mini. Crush donors will also receive a black Big Blue Crush T-shirt, a coupon for a free McDonald’s McCafe beverage and a Bleed Blue wristband.
The 25th annual Big Blue Crush, which pits Kentucky fans against Tennessee fans, helps to ensure an adequate blood supply for the holidays. KBC donors have claimed the Crush trophy the past two years, but Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville leads the competition 12-11, with 1 tie.
Blood donors must have a photo ID, be 17 years old (or 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 kybloodcenter.org.
CONTACT: Denise Fields, (859) 519-3721.
