Becoming an organ donor can save lives.

That’s why Illinois Gov. George Ryan and NIU’s Public Relations Student Society of America are pushing people this week to remove their driver’s licenses from their wallets and purses and make the donation process official.

It’s important to note that becoming a donor takes more than just your John Hancock on the back of your license. Amnesia The Nightclub, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway, will be home to PRSSA’s Organ Donor Awareness Bash starting at 2 p.m. today for anyone who needs a witness to make the process complete. The bash will feature live entertainment, games and Chicago athletes ready to make a permanent autograph that will save lives.

Sports icons scheduled to attend include former Chicago Bulls center Bill Wennington; Minnie Minoso, a former White Sox outfielder who played in six different decades; and Kurt Becker, an offensive lineman on the Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears team.

On Wednesday, Tommy Thompson, Illinois Health and Human Services secretary, reported that 76,000 people nationwide are waiting for an organ donation, and that three people die every two hours because not enough organs are available. Although some people shy away from the topic of death in daily conversation, imagine if one of your loved ones were in desperate need of a heart, liver or kidney.

Becoming an organ donor should be a decision shared with family members, Thompson said. Two family members, or Chicago celebrities in this case, should witness you signing the back of your driver’s license.

Tables will be set up around campus starting at 11 a.m. today. It’s worth it to stop by and get your license signed. Someone may live as a result of the organs they receive, and that’s worth a minute of your time.