In 1988, some of you were starting a family, a new career, SCHOOL-- yes, it was off to college and to kindergarten for some Emmaus Rotarians.
That was the year Rotary International teamed with the World Health Organization to launch a global polio eradication initiative. There were an estimated 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries. There were 150 cases in 2020 and fewer this year!!
What was I doing? Thank you for asking, I finished seminary that spring and was made a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. My Daughter and I were living in Forest City, PA
where I served at two churches. We were an easy car ride to Corning, NY, where my Mother's family lives. My Aunt and I were in the kitchen, she was preparing dinner. My Uncle arrived home and was excited to tell us that that day it was announced at his Rotary meeting that Rotary International had committed to eradicating Polio. As he filled in the details, his eyes filled with tears. They were tears of joy at the thought that in the future no child would die or be left crippled by this contagious disease. That's what can make a grown man cry. Are his tears of joy contagious? Are you excited to think that we are so so so very close to Ending Polio?
Rotary is so close to our original vision of a polio-free world. While an individual shot of polio vaccine costs only 15 cents to make, there are major expenses to reach remote areas and the public officials. So, we continue.
AND.... There are lots of ways for you and your family to participate in this year's Purple Pinkie Race to Zero to End Polio. You can run, walk, or bike. Kids have their own race. You can say no to a tee shirt. And YES! to the beer at the early afternoon Octoberfest. Some may choose to participate virtually (no tee-shirt unless you buy it in the merch corner of the website). Others may just log on and make a donation. Easy. Log in with the link given below.
We already have 7 team members. And are looking for at least 3 more.
Speak to Lexa Shallcross or Cindy Hornaman if you have questions or difficulty registering online. At our breakfast meeting this Thursday, there will be a sign-up sheet.
Look for the Emmaus Rotary Team and join us! Remember to mark any donations at this time to the Race to Zero Purple Pinkie as from Emmaus Rotary. (Our club is number 5427) And SAVE the DATE - Saturday morning, October 2, 2021.
Sign up Today for the 11th Annual Race to ZERO! New this year, we will have the Race to Zero and Oktoberfest on the same day and place. The Race and Oktoberfest will be on October 2nd, 2021 at the Schnecksville Fair Grounds.
The location is right next to the prior year's location of LCCC. This year’s route includes Packhouse Road down and a covered bridge, then back to the start. There are also options for 1 mile, kids race, and biking. In the afternoon we will be celebrating our District’s commitment to Ending Polio by celebrating Oktoberfest with food, beverages and entertainment!.
Join us on October 2nd and Let's End Polio!! Sign up to Run, Walk, Bike and Join us afterwards for Oktoberfest! All Proceeds go to the Rotary Foundation Polio Plus!
Walk, Run, Bike:
Registration opens at 8:00 am
Childrens' Race at 9:00 am
10K Bike Ride (not timed) at 9:15 am
5k Runners & walker leading at 9:30 am
1 Mile and all others immediately after
Oktoberfest Celebration: 11:30 - 2 pm
Join us after the run for a catered Oktoberfest celebration event at the Fairgrounds Pavilion. Oktoberfest Themed Food: Sausage, Grilled Fish, Pretzels, Potato Dumplings and/or Pancakes, Sauerkraut, Salad, Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine, Mixers, Selfie Booth, Entertainment. Silly Hats
Please join with Rotarians from throughout our district to raise awareness at this year's Race to Zero event
Both Events are Located at the Schnecksville Fair Grounds, Pavilion
4550 Old Packhouse Rd
Schnecksville, PA 18078
Race Contact: John Scott - email
610-653-7730
Facebook Page
Event Page - Registration and Fundraising (direct link)
Tickets only (direct link)