Blood Battle makes annual return for Dover-Phila Week
DOVER (WJER) (Oct. 16, 2023) – The community is getting its yearly opportunity to participate in the rivalry of Dover-Phila Week off the football field.
Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital spokesman Darrin Lautenschleger says the 26th Annual Blood Battle is coming up Wednesday at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover.
“Donors can come in from between 11:30 am and 6:30 pm and donate for their favorite team,” Lautenschleger said. “Even if you’re not a fan of Dover or New Philadelphia, come on anyway and donate blood because every little bit helps.”
Lautenschleger says they point out that each single blood donation has the power to save up to three lives.
“Vitalant blood services, which handles the blood donations in our community, provides the blood services right here in the Tuscarawas Valley.”
He says Dover donors lead the all-time series with 14 victories, compared to 10 wins for New Philadelphia, and one tie. This year’s winner will be announced at the game Friday.
He says fans do get into the spirt of it all at the Blood Battle.
“People are talking to each other. You have some folks that actually do show up in their Tornado garb or their Quaker gear, and I think that’s fun.”
Lautenschleger says appointment times to donate can be made at https://vitalant.org/dovernewphila. Walk-ins can also donate, though the wait time might be longer. All donors also get a special T-shirt for the occasion.
WJER Radio is again a proud sponsor of this event.
