EUGENE, Ore. - (Nov. 6, 2009) - Before the state's biggest football rivalry is decided in early December, fans of the Ducks and Beavers are rolling up their sleeves to show their true colors.
From Nov. 5 to 21, fans, students, faculty, staff and alumni are encouraged to donate on behalf of their team at any Red Cross or Lane Memorial Blood Bank blood drive in Oregon. Organized by the American Red Cross and the alumni associations at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, the campaign's goal is to increase community blood donations prior to the critical holiday period.
In the past seven years, 44,000 people have contributed during the annual two-week drive. Last year, fans of both schools collectively donated more than 7,500 times to help patients in need of blood. The Beavers won the 2008 trophy by a narrow margin.
"Duck fans come together to support their favorite teams and I am confident that they will do the same for an even greater cause," said UO President Richard Lariviere. "A ready blood supply means life for many in our community. The Civil War Blood Drive is a great way for all Ducks to help."
All presenting donors are eligible to enter a drawing for two tickets to the Civil War football game in Eugene on Dec. 3. The drawing will be held on Nov. 24. The university with the most submitted ballots will be announced before the Civil War football game.
"It's our turn," said Dan Rodriguez, executive director for UO Alumni Association (UOAA). "In the friendly spirit of collaboration, this a great opportunity for UO to reclaim the trophy and at the same time, help others in need."
To schedule a donation on behalf of the Ducks or the Beavers, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE; or in Lane County, call 541-484-9111. For more information, visit www.CivilWarBloodDrive.com.
About the UOAA
The University of Oregon Alumni Association has a membership of 18,000 and serves as a liaison between the university and its more than 155,000 living alumni around the world. Launched in 1879 with five alumni, the UOAA is proud of its long history of keeping alumni connected to the university and offering alumni a wide array of services, from professional networking and alumni mentoring to advocacy for higher education.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contacts: Kim Evans, UOAA assistant director for Marketing and Communications, 541-346-6892;
Sandi Lesh, Red Cross community relations specialist, 541-528-5572
Link: www.CivilWarBloodDrive.com
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