APRIL 14, 2006

TV personality honored for strong support of organ donation

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today presented Grand Rapids-area gourmet chef and TV show host Oliver Hale, also known as "Chef O," with a Shining Star award for his many contributions to the cause of organ donation in Michigan.

Land created the Shining Star award to recognize those whose exceptional efforts encourage greater organ donor awareness.

"Chef O is a truly remarkable person who reminds us all of the great things that those who receive organ transplants can go on to accomplish when given another chance at life," Land said. "Through his work in the media and all of his charitable and athletic efforts, he has been an outstanding champion for organ donation awareness."

Hale, of Comstock Park, received a kidney transplant in January 1985 after having suffered kidney failure and a heart attack. He is a professional chef who specializes in French cuisine and has won numerous awards for his culinary skills. He produces and hosts "Chef O’s Place," a live TV cooking show that features Michigan celebrity guests and broadcasts in the Grand Rapids area.

Chef O has performed healthy cooking demonstrations in several different states for the National Kidney Foundation and insurance companies. His cooking tips have benefited many dialysis patients who watch his show. He has served on the executive committee of the transAction Council of the National Kidney Foundation and received the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

Hale has donated his time to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation, the March of Dimes and Ronald McDonald House. On holidays, he cooks for homeless and indigent people in the Grand Rapids community.

When he is not cooking, Chef O participates in transplant sports – athletic competition among organ transplant recipients. To date, he has won 24 medals at the Transplant Olympic Games, including 14 gold medals in tennis, track and field and fencing. He has competed in Austria, Singapore, Canada, Hungary, England and Australia.

Hale has been given many awards, including the USA Culinary Excellence Medal by the American Culinary Institute and "Best Chef in Grand Rapids" designation by Grand Rapids Magazine. He has also received five Philo T. Farnsworth Awards from the Central States Region of the Alliance for Community Media for his TV program. Hale earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from the University of Toledo. He has three children and one grandchild.

Hale was nominated for a Shining Star award by Michigan Department of State staff. His recognition coincides with Buddy Week, a public awareness campaign in which Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers meet with the public at Secretary of State branch offices to discuss organ and tissue donation.

The department has a primary role in collecting names for Michigan’s organ, tissue and eye donor registry through its online enrollment program. Donor cards are also available in branch offices and are mailed with driver’s licenses and state identification cards. Land also encourages awareness through her Organ and Tissue Donor Advisory Committee and by fostering partnerships with advocates statewide.

Nearly 3,000 individuals are currently on a waiting list for an organ transplant in Michigan, according to Gift of Life. For more information about the Shining Star award and other Department of State organ donor programs, please visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.