Local blood center holds 2nd annual ‘Donation Domination’ competition

EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – The Georgia Bulldogs may be facing the Clemson Tigers on Saturday in Atlanta, but the battle has already begun at Shepeard Community Blood Center.

It’s the second year of its ‘Donation Domination’ blood donation competition.

The Bulldogs dominated last year in the battle – receiving 1,000 more points than the South Carolina Gamecocks. It’s looking like that may be the same case this year against the Tigers.

Hannah: “Who did you vote for? Michael Gastelle: “Georgia.” Hannah: “Why Georgia?” Michael: “My daughter graduated from the University of Georgia.”

Hannah: “What team did you vote for?” Katherine Capehart: “Georgia.” Hannah: “Why Georgia?” Katherine: “I live here now, I have to support.”

All week long, when donors come in and roll up their sleeves, they get to vote for either the Bulldogs or the Tigers.

Each vote equals three points, for three lives saved. As of Wednesday, the Bulldogs have 954 points and the Tigers have 357.

“If you’re not a huge football fan, you’ll vote for your home state. But it’s all for a good cause, and you’re just winning bragging rights,” said Hannah Barrs, the Marketing Director for Shepeard Community Blood Center.

After voting, donors get a Donation Domination t-shirt and a free Chick-fil-A sandwich.

The center doesn’t have a specific goal for the number of votes, but the community need for blood, platelets, and plasma is great.

“The more the better. If this week does well, then we’ll be sailing through the holidays. Summer’s really tough and now that we’re wrapping up summer, we’re just really excited to get into the fall. We’re back in schools, so as long as we get a decent amount this week we should be good to go,” Barrs said.

Fans think it’s nice to have a little friendly competition, especially when they’re saving lives.

“It’s something to do to help people, it’s just something that you do. Just being helpful, trying to do the right thing,” Gastelle said.

“I love it! It’s so nice. I mean it’s definitely a perk but I love all the shirts, the shirt and everything, it’s gonna be fantastic,” Capehart said.

The blood drive ends on Friday, so if you want your team to win, now is the time to come in and donate. For a list of Shepeard locations and times, click here.

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