MARCH 5, 2008

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has honored the Lions of Michigan with a Shining Star award for its exceptional commitment to organ, tissue and eye donation.

Lions District Governors Council Chair Janalee McClure recently accepted the award on behalf of members at the organization's Leadership Forum at the Best Western Hotel in Lansing. There are more than 500 registered Lions clubs and 13,500 Lions members in the state.

"The Lions are well known as champions of the blind and as selfless volunteers dedicated to serving others in the community," Land said. "This award recognizes that they are invaluable partners with the Michigan Department of State in promoting the cause of organ donation and helping save lives. I'm grateful for their heroic efforts."

Land credited members of Lions clubs, as well as auxiliary Lioness Clubs, for providing a large percentage of the volunteer "Buddies" that staff Secretary of State branch offices each April on what is known as "Buddy Day." That's when supporters of organ donation reach out to the general public to raise awareness of the critical need for organ donors.

A total of 62 Lions clubs participated in Buddy Day in 2005, 78 in 2006 and 85 in 2007. Land noted that the Lions of Michigan, working through the Michigan Eye Bank, have pledged to help the department staff every branch office for this year's Buddy Day, which is April 2.

More than 3,100 individuals are currently awaiting organ transplants in Michigan, according to Gift of Life Michigan. In 2007, a record 881 lifesaving organs were donated in the state. There were also 1,067 corneas transplanted to Michigan patients last year, which provided the gift of sight.

Land created the Shining Star award in 2005 for individuals and organizations such as hospitals and donor groups that excel in promoting donation. To sign up on Michigan's organ donor registry, visit the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.