Influencers Promoted Big Ten Blood Drive in Columbus
Local businesses may see increased foot traffic as university campaigns leverage student engagement to win corporate prize money.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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British social media influencers Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jason Riley visited Ohio State University to promote the Abbott We Give Blood competition. The campaign encourages students and community members to donate blood to secure a $1 million prize for their respective school.
Why it matters
The Abbott-sponsored competition creates a significant incentive for campus-adjacent organizations to align with university health initiatives to drive engagement. With 18 Big Ten schools participating, local entities are leveraging social media outreach to boost donation metrics through December 4.
The Abbott competition involves 18 Big Ten schools vying for a $1 million grand prize, with donations tracked from August 12 through December 4. Influencers Josh and Jase, who hold a combined following of approximately 1 million on Instagram, are documenting the effort.
The players
Abbott
A global medical devices and health care company that produces diagnostic, medical, nutritional, and branded generic pharmaceutical products.
Ohio State University
A large public research university in Columbus that serves as a major hub for regional economic activity and student consumer spending.
Josh Cauldwell-Clarke
A British travel creator who utilizes social media platforms to reach an audience of approximately 1 million followers.
Jason Riley
A British travel creator who partners with his counterpart to document campus culture and promote corporate-sponsored initiatives.
The details
The campaign incentivizes blood donation by tracking submissions made through the official portal or via text. Operators near campus sites are noting how the influx of donor traffic, paired with influencer-led campus tours, impacts local visibility and event-based consumer demand. The competition culminates in the announcement of the winning institution at the Big Ten football championship on December 5.
Timeline
August 12, 2026: Official start date for eligible blood donations.
October 13, 2026: Influencers posted a video featuring Columbus campus traditions.
November 28, 2026: Date of the Ohio State versus Michigan football game.
December 4, 2026: Deadline for all eligible blood donations.
December 5, 2026: Winner announcement at the Big Ten football championship.
Market Landscape
This story follows the established pattern of the Big Ten athletic conference's intercollegiate brand partnerships by utilizing university sports culture to drive corporate social responsibility metrics. It marks a shift where influencers are integrated into institutional campaigns to maximize engagement.
Campus-adjacent businesses should monitor student event calendars through early December to anticipate fluctuations in foot traffic. Tracking such partnerships provides a signal for when to align local marketing efforts with regional student-led initiatives.
The takeaway
Large-scale corporate campaigns increasingly rely on high-reach influencers to activate local participation in university-based contests. Monitor engagement periods like the current blood drive for opportunities to integrate your business into the broader campus narrative through the December 4 deadline.
What happens next
The winner of the $1 million prize will be announced on December 5, 2026, during the Big Ten football championship game.
Further reading
For more on how local outreach efforts are evolving, see Philanthropy.
More information
To review donation guidelines or participate in the initiative, visit the blood donation competition submission portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Advocate.
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