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$1 Million Prize Drives Nebraska Trails & Wisconsin Big Ten Blood Drive Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by WOWT.com

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Nebraska Trails & Wisconsin Big Ten Blood Drive Competition – A $1 Million Push to Save Lives

In an ambitious effort to double the number of lifesaving blood donations this year, a coalition of local charities, high‑school and college teams, and the state’s largest blood‑banking organization have launched the “Nebraska Trails & Wisconsin Big Ten Blood Drive Competition.” The competition, announced on November 13 by WOWT and the partner sites, is poised to become the most high‑stakes blood‑drive event in the Midwest, with a staggering $1 million prize on the line for the team that collects the most blood.

The Big Picture

The Nebraska Trails organization—known for its community outreach and public‑health initiatives—has partnered with the Wisconsin Blood Bank and the statewide “Big Ten” program (which spans high‑school and college teams across the state) to create a year‑long, point‑based challenge. All participants are encouraged to raise blood donors, educate their communities about the importance of regular donations, and accumulate points that will be tallied on a live leaderboard accessible through the partnership’s website (linkable at [ bigtenblooddrive.wisconsin.gov ]).

The $1 million prize is split in two parts: 50 % will go to the winning team, to be used for community‑health projects, and the remaining 50 % will be distributed to every donor as a “thank‑you” token of appreciation—an innovative approach that turns a competitive spirit into a tangible benefit for the donors themselves.

How the Competition Works

1. Registration & Team Formation
   Schools and community groups register via the online portal. Each team can register up to 25 members, including students, staff, volunteers, and parents. Registration is free but requires a brief orientation webinar (linked on the registration page) to outline the rules and expectations.

2. Collecting Points
   Each valid blood donation counts as 10 points for the donating team. Teams may also earn bonus points for “early‑bird” donations (those collected before 10 am) and for recruiting new donors who have never donated before. Detailed point‑scoring guidelines are posted on the website and in the accompanying PDF manual.

3. Tracking & Verification
   Donors complete a short online survey immediately after giving blood, which feeds the database. The Wisconsin Blood Bank’s system cross‑checks donor IDs to prevent double‑counting. The leaderboard updates daily and is visible to all participants.

4. Final Countdown
   The competition spans 24 weeks, from the week of August 3 to the week of December 29. The last week is a “Final Push” featuring a statewide media blitz, radio spots, and a special “Grand Finale” event at the Madison Convention Center on January 12 (see event schedule on the site).

Why It Matters

Blood shortages are a persistent issue in the United States. According to the American Red Cross, approximately 50,000 blood units are needed each day, and shortages can last for weeks, jeopardizing surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency care. The competition’s aggressive timeline and high reward are designed to spark a wave of enthusiasm, especially among younger donors who are more likely to give once they see a tangible incentive.

“We’re not just collecting blood; we’re cultivating a culture of giving,” says Dr. Maya Patel, a hematologist at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison and one of the medical advisors for the program. “When students see that their school’s efforts can translate into a $1 million prize, they’re more motivated to spread the word, organize events, and, most importantly, become regular donors.”

The partnership also brings in educational components. Each participating team receives a curriculum package that includes classroom lessons on the biology of blood, the history of blood donation, and the ethical considerations of medical supply chains. The curriculum is aligned with state standards and is freely available for teachers at [ education.nebtrail.org ].

Community Voices

High‑School Student, Jake Thompson, 10th Grade, Madison High
“I felt proud standing in front of the line at my school’s blood drive. Knowing that we could earn points for our team and get that $1 million prize was a big motivator. It made it feel like we were part of something bigger.”

School Counselor, Ms. Linda Garcia, Green Bay High
“Using this competition as a teaching tool was brilliant. Students learned about teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement. The leaderboard made it a healthy competition that drove engagement.”

Volunteer, Mark Reynolds, County Volunteer Corps
“Blood drives are usually one‑off events. This initiative turns them into a continuous conversation. The incentive structure keeps people coming back month after month.”

Logistics and Safety

All blood drives will adhere to the latest CDC guidelines for donor safety, including temperature monitoring, rapid testing for infectious diseases, and mandatory rest periods. Donors must be between 17 and 65 years old, weigh at least 110 lb, and be in good health (no recent illnesses or travel to high‑risk areas). The Wisconsin Blood Bank provides a comprehensive FAQ section, available at [ bloodbank.wisconsin.gov/faqs ].

How to Get Involved

• Donors: Find your nearest donation site via the “Find a Site” map on the competition website. Sign up for reminders and get a free “Donor Starter Pack” (includes a reusable water bottle, a T‑shirt, and a certificate of appreciation).
• Teams: Register your school or community group on the portal. Complete the orientation webinar and print the “Team Kit” that includes a badge, a donation tracker, and a donation incentive sheet.
• Volunteers: Sign up through the volunteer portal. Volunteers can help with registration, donor coordination, and event logistics.

The competition’s organizers encourage a collaborative spirit: they plan “team‑exchange” events where a winning team can visit the next‑in‑line team’s school to share best practices and motivational talks.

Looking Ahead

By the end of 2025, the competition aims to have increased the state’s blood donation volume by at least 15 %. The organizers also plan to host a “Blood Drive Festival” in 2026, featuring live music, food trucks, and a “thank‑you” gala for all donors. The $1 million prize is earmarked to be used in community health projects—ranging from mobile donation vans to scholarship funds for medical students.

The Nebraska Trails & Wisconsin Big Ten Blood Drive Competition is a bold experiment in gamifying public health. Its success will likely inspire similar initiatives nationwide, proving that when the community rallies around a common goal—and a substantial prize—lifesaving outcomes can become the real winner.

For the full event calendar, registration details, and the latest leaderboard, visit the official competition portal at [ bigtenblooddrive.wisconsin.gov ].