Illinois Athletics is out for Blood to Win $1 Million in Abbott and the Big Ten Conference’s ‘We Give Blood’ Drive

BigTen.Org/Abbott

• The ‘We Give Blood’ drive competition puts rivalry and school spirit to the test among all 18 Big Ten universities in a race to see which school can donate the most blood
• The winning school wins $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health, awarded at the Big Ten Football Championship Game Dec. 6
• Students, alumni and fans can donate blood anywhere in the U.S. from Aug. 27-Dec. 5 to count for Illinois. Donations can be submitted by texting “DONATE” to 222688 (ABBOTT) or visiting BigTen.Org/Abbott
• Show up to donate blood for your school and receive an exclusive, limited edition Homefield designed T-shirt

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to join forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference in the second annual “We Give Blood” drive competition, uniting to help tackle one of the nations’ most urgent health challenges. The competition aims to encourage a new generation of blood donors and while saving thousands of lives along the way.

Someone needs blood every two seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a one-day supply available. The need for blood is constant whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and Illinois Athletics, along with multimedia rightsholders Learfield and Fighting Illini Sports Properties are calling on students, fans and alumni to change that.

“Donating blood is a powerful way Illini can support Illini,” said Darren Irby, Executive Director of Brand Partnerships, American Red Cross. “Each blood donation can help save more than one life, but we need more people to donate. We’re calling on Illini from across the state and beyond to come together and show how we bleed orange and blue.”

So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Fighting Illini pride and save lives!

To participate in the competition, Illinois students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.

This year’s competition brings even more chances for Illinois Athletics to ignite school spirit and inspire first time donors. People who show up to donate and log their donation during the competition – including on national fan holiday College Colors Day on Aug. 29 – can receive an exclusive, limited-edition Illinois T-shirt designed by Homefield.*

Make Your Donation Count

Logging a donation for Illinois is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at BigTen.Org/Abbott or text “DONATE” to ABBOTT (222688).

The winner of the “We Give Blood” drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and show what it means for the Fighting Illini.

* Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and conditions, visit our website at BigTen.org/Abbott.