Posted by Terry Toone, District 5020 End Polio Now Coordinator

Many of you will remember that Past District Governor 2003‐04 Bill McCarthy (you know Bill – everybody does!) accepted the challenge to be one of many Rotarians and friends of Rotary riding in the Indoor Ride to End Polio.  This was in conjunction with the El Tour de Tucson where riders representing Rotary Clubs from around the world ride distances from 28 to 106 miles to raise funds to help the world “Drop to Zero” polio cases.

Well – he did it!

Bill met his goal to ride 50 miles for PolioPlus (at the age of 70).  While this was done to raise money to End Polio Now he also made this a personal physical challenge to himself.  Of course, the biggest motivation was to honor those who had pledged him.  “It was grueling”, Bill says.  He started early morning and rode until nearly 5 PM on Thursday 11/16/2017.  Allowing for some water breaks and a lunch he still averaged nearly 10 miles per hour for the time he rode.

Bill is proud to have been able to take part in the (Indoor) Ride to End Polio.  

At the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta last June the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged another 3-year two for one match to support the effort to eradicate polio as we “Countdown to History”.  Bill’s ride so far will mean at least another $1,000 USD (with the Gates match) to fund our efforts.  The total impact of the Ride to End Polio cold reach $13 million USD.  Amazing!

So, let us celebrate Bill’s achievement with him.  The best way to do so is to pledge him “after the fact”.  Bill is asking everyone to make a donation to TRF with the funds directed to Polio Plus.  On the note line of the donation form indicate the Ride to End Polio for Bill McCarthy.  Also, send Bill an email notifying him of your pledge and he can then have that added to the total impact of his ride.

Remember you will be receiving Paul Harris points, helping Bill add to his impact, and most importantly, helping move one step closer to ending Polio in our lifetime.

Just think – if every club in our District pledged $50 USD to support Bill’s ride we would raise almost $5,000.  With the Gates Foundation match that would be $15,000 and that would immunize over 25,000 kids! 

Now I’m off to complete my pledge – please join me!

Terry Toone

District 5020 End Polio Now Coordinator

http://www.endpolio.org/