Michigan State University Athletics
MSU Hockey Supports MSU-PSU Blood Drive Challenge
11/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Nov. 4, 2009
East Lansing, Mich. - Head Coach Rick Comley and the MSU hockey program has partnered with the American Red Cross to encourage Michigan State University students, fans and alumni to show their Spartan pride by helping MSU defeat Big Ten rival Penn State University for the 16th Annual MSU-PSU Blood Challenge. This is an annual challenge that leads up to the football game played between the schools in late November, and this year's challenge takes place November 2 - 19.
"The MSU-PSU blood challenge is a tradition, taking the rivalry off the field," said Sharon Jaksa, CEO of the American Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. "We are excited to join forces with MSU's hockey team. With their winning spirit, we hope to get the Spartan fans pumped up enough to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. What better way to show your Spartan pride than to roll up your sleeve and help save lives?"
"I encourage all Spartans and Spartan fans to donate - while the challenge element between schools is a fun competition, the important thing is that every donor has the ability to help save a life," commented Coach Comley. "Recipients of donated blood aren't just nameless, faceless people - they are someone's family, loved one, or close friend. This is truly a chance for everyone who donates to make a difference."
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and less than 5% of the population takes time to donate. The MSU-PSU blood challenge was developed to help the American Red Cross maintain a healthy blood supply during the winter months. Winter weather conditions and holiday planning typically prevent individuals from making an appointment to donate blood. Adversely, hospitals see an increase in the need for blood as more traumas go through the emergency room.
MSU has only won five times in the blood challenge history, losing the last four years to the Nittany Lions. This year, the American Red Cross has challenged the Spartan fans to meet or beat their goal to collect 2,000 units of blood to help save the lives of patients in nearly 70 Michigan hospitals.
Between Nov. 2-19, 23 separate blood donation centers will be set up in buildings across the MSU campus, with five other community drive locations in the East Lansing area. A $25 Gift Card to the MSU Student Book Store will be raffled off after each blood drive, and every presenting donor will have the chance to win an Apple MacBook, an Apple iPod Touch, a PlayStation 3 with the Beatles Rock Band Bundle included, or a $500 Gift Card to Best Buy with a drawing at the end of the challenge. In addition, every donor who brings three additional people to donate blood can enter a separate raffle to win an additional $500 Best Buy Gift Card.
The winner of the challenge will be presented a trophy and awarded bragging rights during halftime at the Michigan State/Penn State football game Saturday, November 21 at Spartan Stadium.
Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org sponsor code: MSU to make an appointment.
MSU vs. Penn State Blood Challenge Information
To make an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givelife.org and use sponsor code `msu'.
Date Location Time11/2/2009 University Marriott 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/2/2009 Fee Hall 11:00AM - 4:45PM11/3/2009 International Center 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/3/2009 MSU Union 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/4/2009 International Center 11:00AM - 4:45PM11/4/2009 Gilchrist Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/5/2009 Emmons Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/5/2009 Mason Abbott 1:00PM - 6:45PM11/6/2009 MSU Union 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/6/2009 Hubbard Hall 11:00AM - 4:45PM11/9/2009 International Center 11:00AM - 4:45PM11/9/2009 Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/10/2009 Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE 1:00PM - 6:45PM11/10/2009 Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/11/2009 Wilson Hall 9:00AM - 8:45PM11/12/2009 MSU Union 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/12/2009 McDonel Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/13/2009 Holmes Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/13/2009 WKAR 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/16/2009 Holmes Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/16/2009 MSU Union 10:00AM - 3:45PM11/17/2009 Holmes Hall 12:00PM - 5:45PM11/17/2009 International Center 3:00PM - 8:45PM11/18/2009 Wonders Hall 9:00AM - 8:45PM11/18/2009 Shaw Hall 11:00AM - 4:45PM11/19/2009 University Marriott 10:00AM - 3:45PM
