The University of Michigan and Michigan State University are deadlocked in their most recent competition - the Make-A-Wish Collegiate Fundraising Challenge.
As of Friday, $10,000 has been raised with nearly equal amounts coming from each school. As a result, student organizers are extending the competition through the end of March.
Money raised by U-M students will help grant wishes to children at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, while money raised by MSU students will benefit children in the Lansing community.
U-M senior Brandon Yanik came up with the idea for the "Make Blue and Green Wishes Come True" fundraising event after learning about Make-A-Wish from his dad, Dr. Greg Yanik, a pediatric oncologist at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
The average wish costs $5,000. Brandon Yanik's goal is for the collegiate competition to raise between $25,000 and $50,000
Donations can also be made online. For Blue wishes, go to http://friends.wish.org/022-000/page/Wolverine-Kids/Make-a-Blue-Wish-Come-True.htm. For Green wishes, go to http://friends.wish.org/022-000/page/Spartan-Kids/Make-a-Green-Wish-Come-True.htm.
Lisa Carolin is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.