WMU trails CMU in Red Cross Blood Challenge
Nov. 12, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- The Broncos are out for blood -- hopefully more blood than donors at rival Central Michigan University. A week into the fourth annual American Red Cross Blood Challenge between WMU and CMU, the Chippewas have donated 54 percent of the 1,004 pints of blood they pledged to collect. WMU has met 42 percent of its total goal of 785 pints.
Helping boost the Bronco total on Monday, Nov. 12, were U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and Phillip Bond, under secretary for technology for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Bond and Upton were on campus for a meeting of community and national leaders on the economic benefits of technology, and both decided to donate blood for the WMU drive.
The challenge kicked off Monday, Nov. 5 when WMU donated 67 pints out of a 100 pint goal for the day. The Broncos fell short on two other days, but rebounded on Friday, Nov. 9, when donors gave 77 pints -- two more than the projected 75 pints. CMU's Friday tally was 88 pints out of a 100-pint goal.
WMU supporters still have time to catch up, said Bonnie Martens of the Greater Kalamazoo Area chapter of the American Red Cross. Blood drives continue through Friday, and all students who participate will be given a free T-shirt.
Wednesday, Nov. 14, Ernest Burnham, 1 to 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 15, Bernhard Center, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16, St. Thomas Student Parish, noon to 5:45 p.m.
Each university set a goal based on school size and past donation goals. Whichever school is able to reach the highest percentage of the desired goal will be declared the winner at the Nov. 17 football game at Waldo Stadium.
All prospective donors will be screened to determine eligibility for donation. For more information, please contact the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross at 616 353-6180.
Media contact: Gail H. Towns, 616 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu