Rotary Fights Polio
Rotary is the largest and oldest service club in the world. From it’s meager beginnings, starting with 1 club in Chicago in 1905, it has grown to over 35,000 clubs worldwide, with 1.2 million members. As a service club, Rotary’s goal is not just to raise money, but to use that money for hands on projects that Rotarians themselves tackle. Each local club that receives a charter becomes a part of the larger organization called Rotary International. Members are active in their local communities as well as partnering with other clubs in large projects worldwide. One such project is the eradication of Polio.
Many people are surprised to learn that polio is still affecting the world. Here in the United States polio was eliminated in the 1960’s. But around the world this crippling disease has been devastating. In 1985, with the help of groups such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Center for Disease Control, Rotary decided to take on the task of ridding the world of Polio. This has been a monumental effort. To date, over 600 million dollars has been raised and spent towards this goal. We are 99% there.
This year Rotary International is making the final push to complete our mission. To help this effort, Bill & Melinda Gates have pledged 100 million dollars in a matching grant through their foundation. All of the Rotary clubs in the world are committed to raising those matching funds so that we can finally eradicate Polio.
The Mesquite Rotary Club has pledged to do their part in raising money to fight Polio. The club will be holding their 2nd annual “Glow In The Dark” GOLF BALL DROP on Nov. 1st. This is the main fundraiser that supports all of their projects, both local and international. This year they have also added a “Glow In The Dark” Golf Adventure, a nine hole golf game at the Palms Golf Course, to be held right after the ball drop.
To donate to Rotary with the purchase of a golf ball, please call (702) 346-7025.
For more information about the Mesquite Rotary Club visit our website at www.mesquitenvrotary.org