Our Blood Institute Offers Chance To Win Free Vacation For Donating Blood

Our Blood Institute is launching a giveaway to encourage blood donations where participants can win a vacation worth up to $10,000 to any destination of their choice.

Jacqueline Chappell from Our Blood Institute unveiled the promotion and said for the first time, the organization is allowing donors to choose their vacation destination.

“We've given away vacations before, but usually they were cruises,” Chappell said. “This time, we’re letting the winner choose where they want to go. It’s really exciting for us.”

The giveaway, the "Up to 10K Vacation Giveaway," began on Monday and runs through August 18.

Initially set at $3,000, the prize pool has now reached $5,000, with the final amount potentially hitting $10,000.

The promotion is designed to address the current blood donation shortfall, exacerbated by the summer hiatus of high school blood drives, which typically account for 30% of donors.

“We’re in a more critical period right now. We’re trying to avoid an emergency blood appeal, and this giveaway is part of our effort to encourage donations and show our appreciation to our donors,” Chappell said.

In addition to the grand prize, OBI is offering $500 gift cards for gas or flights, allowing non-grand prize winners to plan their own trips.

As part of the promotion, donors will also receive a commemorative "Bigfoot Returns" T-shirt and a ticket to either Frontier City or Hurricane Harbor.

“We brought back Bigfoot shirts due to popular demand, and they’ve been a hit,” Chappell said.

To enter the giveaway, individuals can donate blood at any of OBI’s mobile drives or donor centers.

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged and can be made via the Institute’s website at obi.org.

“Whether you’re donating blood to win a vacation or simply to save lives, every donation helps,” Chappell said.