Michigan Eye-Bank Ambassador Patrick Pruitt went to Washington, D.C. in March for Prevent Blindness America’s Eyes on Capitol Hill campaign. Patrick shares his experience in his own words:

Each March, Washington, D.C. plays host to Prevent Blindness America's Eyes on Capitol Hill campaign. People travel in from all over the country, united by their experiences with vision loss. These vision advocates meet with members of Congress to inform them about the importance of vision health awareness, and discuss ways that Congress can help.

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The Michigan Eye-Bank is looking for volunteers to staff our donation awareness booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which will be held July 15-18. Volunteers will work at the booth in two-hour shifts.

To volunteer, please call (800) 247-7250, ext. 146, by June 26.

Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a major summer event in Ann Arbor, drawing about 500,000 people every year. Even if you’re unable to volunteer, please consider checking out this fun event.

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Celebrate the miracle of donation with transplant recipients, donor families and dedicated volunteers at the MOTTEP LIFE Walk 2009 on July 25 at Detroit’s historic Belle Isle Park.

Participants can choose between a 10K run, a 5K run/walk and a one mile walk. The cost is $20 for runners and $12 for walkers, if you register by July 1. Funds raised at LIFE Walk benefit public education programs about eye, organ, tissue, blood and bone marrow donation in Michigan.

For more information, visit www.motteplifewalk.org.

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Join the Donate Life Coalition at Comerica Park on Tuesday, September 1 for the 3rd Annual Detroit Tigers Donor Awareness Day, and watch the Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians while supporting an important cause.

A Donate Life information table will also be available for fans to sign up on the Michigan Donor Registry.

Tickets are $22 each, and are available while supplies last until August 1. Call Peggy Burkhard at (248) 770-5172 or Cathy Warren at (248) 701-2323 to reserve your spot. For more information, visit www.donatelifemichigan.org.

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Michigan Eye Bank Ambassadors, staff and Lions and Lioness volunteers teamed up with Gift of Life Michigan and Secretary of State offices throughout the state, making this year’s Buddy Day a tremendous success! Thanks to their help, 5,054 names were added to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry on Buddy Day alone.

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While the number of Americans registered as organ and tissue donors is rising, the Michigan Organ Donor Registry only includes 21 percent of licensed drivers (the national average is 38 percent). Yet, according to a new survey of Americans, 72 percent want their decision to donate honored, even if their family disagrees. The best way to ensure that your wish will be honored is to sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry today. Visit www.IJoined.org and click on the Michigan link to join.

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A new, enhanced driver’s license is now available in Michigan, allowing simplified border travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The new license will have a different design and color scheme from Michigan’s standard license and I.D. It doubles as a border-crossing document and denotes both identity and citizenship. It has higher security features to meet tougher federal I.D. requirements that take effect at America’s land and sea borders on June 1, 2009. The red heart donor insignia will be a permanent part of the enhanced license. A donor sticker will continue to be issued to individuals with a standard driver’s license or I.D. card. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/sos.