Polio Plus

D5495 to host World Polio Day Event at OHSO Brewery in Phoenix
 
 
 

Join us for a remarkable evening of camaraderie and commitment as Rotary District 5495 proudly hosts an event like no other on the occasion of World Polio Day. This special evening promises to be a meaningful blend of awareness, advocacy, and appreciation, all set against the backdrop of delicious beer and dinner.

World Polio Day holds a special place in the hearts of Rotary members and public health advocates alike. It serves as a poignant reminder of our shared dedication to eradicating polio from the face of the Earth. On this evening, we invite you to be a part of our global mission to create a polio-free world.

As you savor a delightful dinner and sips of your favorite brew, take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made in our relentless battle against polio. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering determination of individuals and organizations around the world. Each plate served and each glass raised symbolizes a step closer to a world where polio is but a distant memory.

But World Polio Day is more than just a celebration of achievements; it's a call to action. Together, we'll discuss the vital steps that still lie ahead on our journey towards a polio-free world. Your presence, your voice, and your commitment are essential as we work towards ensuring that no child ever has to suffer from this preventable disease.

So, mark your calendars and join us for an evening of solidarity, inspiration, and action on World Polio Day. Together, we can turn the dream of a polio-free world into a reality. Let's raise our glasses and our voices to make history!

 

Click here to register!

 
 
 
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Competition is hot and heavy for this year's End Polio Now Award
 
Competition for the right to hoist the End Polio Now Champions award at the end of this Rotary year is underway. So far this year 22 of our district clubs have contributed something to the Polio Eradication effort. For those who are not math majors, that would be about 1/3 of our clubs.
 
The top seven clubs for the first quarter of this Rotary year, in order are: Sedona Red Rocks; Gilbert; Sun City West; Sedona; E-Club of the Southwest; Kingman Route 66; Queen Creek.
 
World Polio day is coming up on October 24th. This represents a great opportunity for all to contribute something to the Polio Eradication effort.
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District 5500 to host annual Ride to End Polio on Nov. 18
 
 
By Don Jorgensen
 
District Governor, District 5500
 
Rotary’s theme for 2023-24 is “Create Hope in the World.” Whether you will be a first-time Rider or returning for more fun, your participation in the Ride to End Polio or the Indoor Ride does just that. When you do arrive in Tucson for the famous Ride, our District 5500 Rotarians will be here to welcome you, feed and support you, and thank you once again for your commitment to End Polio Now.
 
And…November 2023 is a great time to visit Tucson. Here are 6 quick reasons why. 
  • Perfect exercise for Thanksgiving feast prep
  • Perfect November weather (we won’t talk about that one year)
  • A great pre-race dinner with your favorite fellow Rotarians
  • Post-race Sonoran hot dogs – best in the world
  • A great Rotary AID station on the course
  • And…something else about food (It IS a UNESCO City of Gastronomy)
  
2023 promises to be a good year. We understand that there have been some road improvements along the routes, but routes are always subject to change.
 
More information on routes at this link.
 
We will have lots more information as we get closer to the ride. Most importantly registration is now open at the El Tour de Tucson website. PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER AS AN "INDIVIDUAL RIDING FOR A NON PROFIT AND SELECT ROTARY INTERNATIONAL. That will put you on the Rotary roster. Registration information and a link to Perimeter's registration site is at the Registration tab of the Ride Website.
 
Our local District 5500 Rotarians will be working hard to make your Ride one of fellowship, service, and fun. To quote RI General Secretary John Hewko: “See ya in Tucson!”
Rotary Clubs urged to plan events for World Polio Day
 

World Polio Day is only 7 weeks away; What kind of fundraising/awareness event might your club do? Does “Pints for Polio” or “Pumpkins for Polio” or “Pancakes for Polio” turn on a lightbulb in your head?  How about “Roast Pig for Polio”, or “Pinot for Polio”, or “Pajamas for Polio”?
 

Here is a fun way to raise funds. Team M & M (Mike and Marny) has asked Rick Barry, a former NBA Hall of Fame basketball player for the Golden State Warriors (known for his underhanded free throws), to sign 24 basketballs, which will then be sold to Districts or Clubs at cost to be used for fundraisers for PolioPlus. Rick Barry’s jersey number was “24” and World Polio Day is October 24! Rick is also a Paul Harris Fellow. And now, he is joining us to help end polio.

Rotary has created several End Polio Now videos that are easy to download and show at a club meeting or public event:

World Polio Day Videos: Four short videos in English and Spanish to promote World Polio Day are now available at the following links:

Folder containing all four videos: https://vimeo.com/user/2108859/folder/17692488
Links to each individual video:
30 second Female English:          https://vimeo.com/863283520?share=copy
30 second Male English:              https://vimeo.com/863283433?share=copy
30 second Male Spanish:             https://vimeo.com/863283337?share=copy
60 second Male English:              https://vimeo.com/863283209?share=copy


Zone 27 End Polio Now Coordinator Mike Crosby will soon be sharing how Districts and their clubs can participate.  

Questions? Please contact us:

Mike Crosby at epnczone27@zone2627.org 

Marny Eulberg at epnczone26@zone2627.org 
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Mesa West named 'End Polio Now Champion' for 2022-23
The Rotary Club of Mesa West was named the district's End Polio Now Champions for 2023. The club earned the distinction by having the highest amount of contributions of any club in District 5495 (per capita) to Rotary's End Polio Now campaign. Pam Cohen, club president, accepted the Paul Harris trophy at the district conference from PDG Bret McKeand (representing last year's champion, Peoria North), DG Larry Horton and PDG Jim Erickson, who serves as the district's polio chair. At right is Ramesh Ferris, a polio survivor who spoke at the conference on May 6.
D5495 End Polio Now Champions Award Update
As of March 24, 2023 the top eight clubs in the End Polio Now Champions Award competition are, in order, Mesa West, Sedona, Sedona Village, Gilbert, Sun Lakes, Sedona Red Rocks, Scottsdale North, and Sun City West. Any of these clubs could wind up as the overall winner.
 
For that matter any club could wind up the winner with a large enough contribution.
 
The District Conference this year opens on May 5th. District Governor Larry will be presenting the End Polio Now Champions Award at the conference. Keeping in mind that there is always a delay with Rotary International getting donations posted on their website, clubs have about 5 weeks to make contributions to polio if they wish their contributions to be counted in the competition this year.
 
There is still time to make a difference in the battle against polio. As of today (March 24, 2023) one (1) confirmed case of wild polio virus infection resulting in paralysis has been confirmed worldwide, in Pakistan. Onset of paralysis was February 20th so the clock has been reset to that date.