For 32 years, FAMU and Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) have battled it out on the football field during the highly anticipated Florida Classic. Now, the two rivals are taking their competitive spirit off the field and are competing to save lives.Rivals FAMU and B-CU are teaming up with Florida’s Blood Centers and Southeastern Community Blood Centers for the inaugural Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic Blood Drive Challenge. The schools are holding various blood drives throughout the state to see which university can collect the most units of blood between now and November 15.
“When you are looking at the people who are donating blood, African Americans are under-represented,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “Having the two universities with this challenge should have the end result of not only increasing awareness -- but for students, faculty and alumni to serve as role models and to help increase the number of people who donate.”
“We believe we have a responsibility to give back,” said B-CU President Trudie Kibbe Reed. “Especially for citizens who may be in need of blood transfusions. We want our students to go out and be great citizens and what a better way than to give blood.”
The winner of the challenge will be announced the weekend of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic.
Florida's Blood Centers and Southeastern Community Blood Centers will be holding various blood drives where students, alumni, friends, family and fans of both teams can donate on behalf of the university of their choice.