When Mary Cook received a call from the Red Cross that she won a trip for two to the 2022 Super Bowl because she donated blood, she was not sure what to think.

“It was so unbelievable – I had to check it wasn’t a scam and it was legit before I let myself get excited about it,” Mary says.

But the unbelievable was true. As a part of a drive to promote blood donations, all donors were automatically entered last January for a chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl courtesy of the American Red Cross and the NFL. Mary won roundtrip airfare for two to L.A., a three-night stay in a hotel and a $500 gift card to cover any other expenses.

The best news? Donors who give blood throughout the month of January 2022 could be joining her in February in L.A., as the NFL and Red Cross are offering the same chance again this year. Mary says it’s definitely worth it to give blood – trip or no trip.

“It’s just a fairly quick and painless way to know you’re helping someone when they need it. It’s easy and fulfilling,” Mary says. She emphasizes that the people who draw blood are excellent at their jobs. “It’s nothing more than a prick.”

The Catholic School teacher from Portland, MI, has been giving blood since the late 1980s when her family all came out to give blood to support her sister who needed heart surgery. She has been giving regularly ever since.

“We all have gifts. This is my gift – to do something to help others.”

As an added bonus – Mary and her husband will be celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary with the trip. The year they were married they watched the Super Bowl from their room in Hawaii, so this will be like coming full circle.

“We will enjoy the warm weather,” Mary says.

For all donors in the month of January, the next winner could be you. As an added bonus, if you give blood in January you will also be entered to win a “Big Game at Home” package to create your own home theater space and a $500 gift card to help you celebrate the big game with food and fun for your friends and family.

To learn more about donating blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.