Big Game Fans - Give Blood, preferably Blue

The American Red Cross and the Stanford Blood Center are asking for blood donors during this Big Game season.

For more than a century, the Big Game between the Cal Bears and Stanford Cardinals has inspired fan frenzy and a host of game-related traditions. One of those traditions involves bloodshed — but in a good way.

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From Nov. 13 through Dec.1, donors to the American Red Cross and Stanford Blood Center may designate their favorite Big Game team and enter a contest to win autographed footballs and jerseys. Over the past 10 years, this competition has evolved from a campus-only contest to one that encompasses the entire Bay Area. Both blood banks are hoping fans will be inspired to participate as the blood supply typically dips dangerously low during the coming winter holidays.

One young man who knows the importance of blood on the shelves is Cal Bears offensive tackle Mike Tepper. As the result of a violent attack on a Berkeley street last year, the sophomore lost a tremendous amount of blood as his foot was nearly severed. “Come out and support this effort,” Tepper urged. “Donors like you helped save my life.” Fortunately, his foot was saved and he is now healthy enough to take the field again.