Rotary, Polio, Mountain Foothills and Paul Harris

Polio is a scourge that many of us remember.  Some of us suffered from the Poliomyelitis infection, or had close friends or family who did.  Many died, and many more were crippled.  Then, the beginning of the end for Polio came in 1954 with the creation of a vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk (released to the public in 1955). 

In 1961, Dr. Albert Sabin developed the live oral vaccine.

 After a small start in 1979, to vaccinate children of the Philippines, in 1985, Rotary International rolled out Polio Plus and started the commitment to end the scourge once and for all. 

During this 28 plus year effort, and the donation and expenditure of millions of dollars in funds by Rotarians, as well as uncounted volunteer hours, and the national resources of a multitude of countries, has brought the world to the brink of eliminating the disease.

 On April 3, 2013, after a texting campaign at our District, and a club request, we added a small part to this worldwide effort.  The members of Mountain Foothills Rotary, and one from the Denver Club have donated $560.00 to this effort ($12.00 per active member of the Club.

In addition, to support the efforts of Rotary in Polio eradication and all other projects and efforts of clubs and Districts all over the world, individual members of our Club have donated to the Rotary Foundation and become new Paul Harris fellows, or added a level of Paul Harris Fellowship recognition.  These generous donations have, this year, added an additional $2,750.00 to PolioPlus and at least $2,800 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund.

 District Governor Mike Klingbiel presented the Paul Harris Fellow awards at our April 24, 2013 Meeting to Sheri McFarlane, Nancy Grant, Rose Lyon, Warren Rose, Betsy Rose and T.J Carney. 

A 7^th award will be presented to Wally Griffin on his return on May 1.

 Thank you.  Your service and generosity cannot be over appreciated.