Annual Blood Challenge benefits American Red CrossNov. 1, 2003 KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan and Central Michigan universities are gearing up for what could be their bloodiest battle to date when the universities face off on the annual Blood Challenge to benefit the American Red Cross. "Many students are very faithful blood donors," says Terri Franklin, director of marketing and communication for the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the Red Cross. "Blood Challenge is a fun way to get first-time donors into the blood drives, with the hope that they will then become repeat donors. Of course all donors are welcome--first-timers or multi-gallon donors." Eleven blood drives will be held on campus between Nov. 3 and 14, leading up to the WMU-CMU football game on Nov. 15. Dates, locations, times and sponsors include: Monday, Nov. 3 Tuesday, Nov. 4 Wednesday, Nov. 5 Thursday, Nov. 6 Friday, Nov. 7 Monday, Nov. 10 Tuesday, Nov. 11 Wednesday, Nov. 12 Wednesday, Nov. 12 Thursday, Nov. 13 Friday, Nov. 14 Sponsoring student organizations are responsible for recruiting volunteers and blood donors, along with securing refreshments and door prizes. Some drives will be by appointment only, while others will be held on a walk-in basis. Special music, food and other festivities are being planned by some of the sponsoring organizations, including a "Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve" theme developed by the Student Entertainment Team. The University's goal for the 2003 challenge is to collect 1,000 pints of blood. Central has bested WMU in the past two challenges. For more information, call the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at (269) 353-6180 or visit their Web site at <www.greaterkzooredcross.org>. Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu |
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