Nov. 10, 2008

The first official blood donation for the 21st annual Battle of the Orange and Blue and blood drive competition between University of Tennessee fans and fans of the University of Kentucky took place today and leading the way was Tennessee's own Coach Philip Fulmer.

The event kicks off Monday, November 17 and runs through Friday, November 21. Please call 865-524-3074 or visit medicblood.org for a full listing of community blood drives . MEDIC also reminds viewers that there are two donation locations for donor convenience-1601 Ailor Avenue near downtown Knoxville and 11000 Kingston Pike in Farragut near Pittsburg Paints.

"We are proud to have Coach Fulmer as the first official donation for Tennessee. And, we hope this inspires donors to come out and prove that the Volunteer spirit is alive and well in East Tennessee," states Christi Fightmaster, Medic spokesperson.

To sweeten the pot, each donor will receive a coupon for a free pint of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, a pint for a pint promotion. And, donors will receive a Tennessee vs Kentucky t-shirt, cholesterol evaluation, and year's credit towards Medic's Family Blood Coverage Program. This program exempts donors and their IRS dependents from paying blood collection fees at any hospital in the U.S. if a transfusion is needed.

This annual competition is a fun way for the two fans bases to compete. However, there is a more serious slant behind the competition. The blood collected during the blood drive battle will help offset the usual blood shortages that take place during the holiday season. "The blood we collect will help us ensure the hospitals will be well supplied. Those patients whose lives are forever changed because someone cared enough to donate blood are the real winners in this competition," reminds Fightmaster. You never know whose life you will impact by giving the 'gift of life.' It is as simple as a blood donation.