Annual Blood Challenge benefits American Red Cross
Nov. 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
Harrison-Stinson Hall
1 to 6:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Harrison/Stinson Hall Council
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Henry Hall
1 to 6:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Alpha Tau Omega & Alph Chi Omega
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Miller Auditorium
11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Sponsored by AHP
Thursday, Nov. 6
Bernhard Center
10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Alpha Omega Pi & LCA
Friday, Nov. 7
Student Recreation Center
10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Golden Key National Honor Society
Monday, Nov. 10
Eicher-LeFevre Hall
1 to 6:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Eicher-LeFevre Hall Council
Tuesday, Nov. 11
French Hall
1 to 6:45 p.m.
Sponsored by French Hall Council & Sigma Pi
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Bernhard Center
10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Sponsored by HOSA
Wednesday, Nov. 12
West Hills Athletic Club
noon to 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 13
Bernhard Center
1 to 6:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Student Entertainment Team
Friday, Nov. 14
Schneider Hall, Haworth College of Business
11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Gift of Life
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