Fans of the Tusculum Pioneers and Carson-Newman Eagles can support their team while aiding the East Tennessee Medic Regional Blood Center by participating in the Ninth Annual Blood Drive Bowl next week.
The event is part of the festivities leading up to next Saturday’s football game between the Pioneers and Eagles that kicks off at 1 p.m. from Burke-Tarr Stadium in Jefferson City on Nov. 5. There will be several opportunities to donate blood.
Tusculum holds the title of Blood Drive Bowl winner from last season after claiming the victory by a 51–unit margin. And Tusculum College, with the help of the community, is ready to take home the title again. Tusculum has been the top donor in five of the previous eight drives, including the last three in a row.
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Tusculum students, faculty, staff and fans may donate on the Greeneville campus at the Niswonger Commons from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Blood donations will also be taken at the following locations: Tuesday (Nov. 1) at the Tusculum College – Morristown site (420 West Morris Blvd.) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Thursday (Nov. 3) at the Greeneville Wal-Mart (3755 Andrew Johnson Hwy.) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Blood donations may also be given during the week at the MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Knoxville (1601 Ailor Ave.) during the following hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Please let the screener know the donation should count towards Tusculum College.
“This is annual tradition that really meets a need in our region,” said Valisa Griffin, coordinator of the Tusculum Fund for Tusculum College. “It doesn’t take much to punch up the rivalry with Carson-Newman, but with the Blood Drive Bowl, the communities are the real winners.”
A tee-shirt will be provided to all donors, along with refreshments on the site. Donors should bring a valid driver’s license or other official photo ID in order to give blood. Medical prescreening and a free cholesterol test (no fasting necessary) will be provided at the sites. One donation a year exempts donors and their IRS dependents from paying blood supplier processing fees at any U.S. hospital.
The winning school will be announced at halftime of the Nov. 5 football game. Tusculum leads the series 5-3. The Pioneers won the inaugural title in 2003, again in 2005 and in each of the last three years (2008, 2009, 2010). Carson-Newman has captured bragging rights three times (2004, 2006, 2007).
For more information, contact the MEDIC Regional Blood Center at (865) 524-3074 or at www.medicblood.com.