Two schools. Six years. Lots of blood donating. And a tie. Who will win this year?
It’s time for BloodSource’s 7th annual Causeway Classic Blood Drive, a fierce but friendly blood-donating competition between Sacramento’s rival schools UC Davis and Sacramento State University. From Oct. 21-Nov. 5, students, staff, and administrators are asked to roll up their sleeves in effort to collectively donate more blood and get more registered donors than their contender.
Since the event’s inception six years ago, each university earned the winning trophy three times. That means this is a tie-breaking year!
“For the first 3 years UC Davis won, and for the last 3 Sac State won…so we’ve seen increased spirit from both schools and it’s helped each university step up their game,” said Alexander Sigua, Public Relations Manager for BloodSource. “We’re eager to see the results from this year’s competition.”
Enthusiasm for the blood drive has increased over the years, resulting in an amazing 18,800 registered blood donors since 2008. It’s become BloodSource’s most successful blood drive for high school to college age students in the Sacramento area, and does an equally successful job in raising awareness about the importance of donating blood.
“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion,” said Sigua. “So it’s important to always have a regular blood supply on hand in order to meet the need of patients and hospitals across the country.”
Think of the Causeway Classic as a fun and engaging way to help save lives.
Building both on the competitive spirit between the schools and recognition of the importance of donating blood, BloodSource and the universities work hand-in-hand to get the word out. Felicia Roper, a BloodSource Account Manager who works with UC Davis for the drive, said it’s been great to see students get excited to get involved, too.
“We support over 40 hospitals in our area, so we’re really making an impact here in our community,” said Roper. “I think that really hits home.”
Sac State students wanting to help their school to win, can participate in the blood drive Tues, Oct. 21-Wed, Oct. 22, 10am-5pm at the University Union Ballroom. UC Davis students wanting to do the same, can participate Tues, Nov. 4-Wed., Nov. 5, 10am-5pm at the East and West Quad. Participants will also receive a free t-shirt and MyBloodSource Rewards.
Donors can also support their schools by giving blood at any BloodSource donor center or mobile blood drive Oct. 21-Nov. 5. Just let staff know which university you wish to support.
For more information, visit www.bloodsource.org.
So, go ahead, get out there, give blood, and save lives. And may the best school win!
