IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge
12th annual IU vs. Purdue
Blood Donor Challenge
Oct. 6 — Nov. 14, 2008
Indiana Wins!
| INDIANA | PURDUE |
| 4,941 | 3,603 |
Dear Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Friends of IU,
It is my pleasure and honor to support the IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge as one of the 2008 honorary chairs. The outcome of this program is important to all Hoosiers.
The IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge is a unique opportunity for IU to come together with Purdue and make a difference in the state of Indiana and its communities. Since its inception in 1997, the IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge has grown to encompass the entire state. Participants can donate blood in the name of either university at their local blood agency. This program benefits hospital patients throughout Indiana and helps save many lives.
Unfortunately, there is a 97 percent chance that you or someone you know will need a blood transfusion at some time. Because the state’s blood supply is often just days away from empty, the need for donation is great!
I invite all alumni, students, faculty, and friends of IU to be a part of this great program. Giving blood takes less than one hour. With locations of various blood agencies and numerous mobile blood drives throughout the state, it is very convenient for you to give.
A single donation can save the lives of up to three people. I strongly encourage the people of Indiana to join in the challenge and give blood for IU. The university with the most donations will be honored at the Old Oaken Bucket football game between IU and Purdue.
Your participation in the 2008 IU vs. Purdue Blood Donor Challenge will guarantee its success. I look forward to the challenge this fall and the continued growth of the program. What a great way to make a difference. Go IU!
Sincerely,
Linda Lynch
A note from Jennifer Shrack,
daughter of John Pont, IU head football coach from 1965-72
My father, John Pont, passed away this past July 1. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (a cancer of the blood/bone marrow) last Christmas. He was a blood donor all of his adult life and in the last six to eight months of his life was, unfortunately, on the other side being a recipient of many, many units of whole blood and platelets. The importance of blood donation cannot be stressed enough, it truly is the gift of life.
Jennifer Shrack
2008
John Pont led the IU Hoosiers to their Rose Bowl appearance in 1968. He was honored that year as NCAA Division 1-A Coach of the Year.
Blood Donor Challenge Radio Spot 
History of the Blood Donor Challenge
Donation Sites & Mobile Drives