When the Utes take the field on Aug. 28 against Utah State in the football season opener, Carolyn Horn Dumond is hoping the U can claim victory before the opening kickoff.
For the second year, the two universities are teaming up to replenish local blood supplies in the “Bleed Red for the Community” blood drive.
Dumond, community relations adviser for ARUP Blood Services, says the “friendly competition” is designed to support community blood banks through the dry summer season.
“Summer is always a very difficult time for us because a lot of our donors are college and high school kids, so when school isn’t in session, things can get hard,” she said.
With the U edging out Utah State 416 units to 399 last year, Dumond hopes to exceed those results, if not duplicate them.
“This is kind of our kickoff for the fall, and I think this competition has generated a buzz around campus,” Dumond said.
In addition to ARUP’s participation in the four-day event, the Bennion Community Service Center is also getting involved.
“Last year, our goal was to collect 300 pints of blood. This year, we want to exceed that goal by collecting 100 more pints, which will benefit the entire community. We urge all students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in this effort,” Bennion Center Director Marshall Welch said.
Though Monday’s inaugural drive-scheduled to take place on the Navy Gun Deck-was canceled due to high temperatures, Dumond is confident, that with more than 400 people donating last year, this year’s event shouldn’t be any different.
“I’ve heard people talking about it on campus, so it should be a success,” she said.
When the winner of this year’s blood drive is announced during the second timeout of the second quarter of the Aug. 28 game, the winning university will earn more than bragging rights.
“This year we have a cup, and whichever university raises the most units gets to hold onto that cup until next year’s game,” Dumond said.
ARUP Blood Services is a local, independent community blood provider serving U Hospitals & Clinics, the Primary Children’s Medical Center, Shriners Hospital for Children and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
The event, co-sponsored by Student Health Services, the Bennion Center and the athletics department, runs through Aug. 28.
Donors must bring photo identification. For questions about donating blood, call 583-2787, extension 2647 or visit the Web site at www.utahblood.org.
Blood drive scheduleTuesday, Aug. 26 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Union Building. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., University Bookstore.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Union Building. 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., LDS Institute.4 p.m. until 8 p.m., “The Blood Vessel”-ARUP’s mobile blood collection bus-south of Petersen Heritage Center.
Thursday, Aug. 28 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., 74 S. Wolcott, in front of Sigma Phi Epsilon house. 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Marriott Library.
