COLUMBUS – As “Hell is Real” returns to Lower.com Field on Sunday, Aug. 20, the Columbus Crew in partnership with American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive, presented by OhioHealth, throughout Central Ohio as part of a competition with FC Cincinnati to help save lives in the Buckeye State.
The inaugural Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Blood Drive Competition runs from Aug. 1-25. A new trophy, co-designed by each club’s supporters group, will be unveiled prior to next month’s match and will spend the next year in the hometown of the club with the most donations.
“We are excited to take our Hell is Real rivalry with FC Cincinnati to the community, and while we want to ‘win’ this blood drive, in reality everyone wins. The American Red Cross and our community are in significant need of donations, and our Club and supporters are very willing to take on this challenge, and we invite all Columbusites to join us,” said Crew President of Business Operations Kristin Bernert.
“We are so excited to partner with the Columbus Crew for this campaign,” said Wendy Yarbrough, Regional Donor Services Executive for the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region. “Working with the Crew to deliver the mission of the American Red Cross and help our community will be a great joy for all of us involved.”
The Black & Gold and American Red Cross are formally activating on select dates at five Central Ohio locations, where donors will receive commemorative “I Bleed Black and Gold” t-shirts, while supplies last.
Donations registered online throughout the region at these and other American Red Cross blood drives will count toward the final results between Columbus and Cincinnati.
The blood drive comes at a critical time during the summer months, significantly impacted by the fact donations are being requested by hospitals in higher numbers than are being contributed at centers. Donors are highly encouraged to give now to help avoid a looming blood shortage.
More information about the blood drive at Lower.com Field and Hell is Real activations onsite will be shared at a later date.
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