In May, Bryan County and the City of Durant held a competition to see who could donate the most blood for the third year in a row. City Manager Jim Dunegan and District 1 County Commissioner Monty Montgomery agreed that if the city won, Montgomery would have to mow the lawn at City Hall and if the county won, Dunegan would have to mow the courthouse lawn.

Bryan County had the most donations during the Blood Fest and on Wednesday morning Dunegan showed up at the courthouse to keep his end of the deal.

“This event was fun and full of spirit,” said Randy Gentry, Blood Program Consultant with the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

Dunegan cheerfully accepted his task to board the lawn mower and cut the grass at the courthouse. Montgomery also graciously piloted a mower alongside the city manager.

“When we do projects together, everybody benefits from it,” said Montgomery.

“Two hundred and sixty-two lives were saved as a result of this one blood drive,” said Gentry.

During the blood drive, 118 people signed up to give blood and 92 people were able to donate on behalf of either the county or the city.

“It was because of the friendly competition that so many people got involved,” said Montgomery.

A traveling trophy, donated by Texoma Trophy in Durant, was awarded to Montgomery and Bryan County. This was the third year for the competition and both parties plan on continuing the blood drive and would like to see 200 people participate next year.

“The real winners are going to be the ones who will receive the blood,” said Montgomery.