There were several World Polio Day events held in October by several clubs in our district. The intent of these events is to bring awareness to Polio and raise funds to help eradicate this terrible virus.
Currently, there are only two places in the world where polio cases remain. John Hutcherson, District 5840 PolioPlus Chair and PDG, shared that the only countries with wild active polio cases remain in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Year to date there are a total of 38 wild polio cases globally and the same number of cases in endemic countries.
One of these events, “Pints for Polio” was held at Tusculum Brewing Company in Boerne on October 23. This fundraiser was supported by the Rotary Club of Boerne, Boerne Sunrise Rotary Club, Dominion Club of San Antonio, and the Fair Oaks Rotary Club. A total of 52 Rotarians and guests attended this occasion which generated more than $1,900 for the Rotary Foundation designated specifically for the PolioPlus program. It is noted that members from each club also donated to World Polio Day which was held on the following day.
It was a festive evening where members from the clubs had a chance to meet each other, visit about their own clubs activities, and enjoy the beverages. District Governor Craig Hardy and his wife Carole were joined by Executive Assistant Christine Tovar at this fundraising event. Club Presidents Chris Taylor (Boerne), Ron Cisneros (Boerne Sunrise), Danny Nino (Dominion), and Will Winslett (Fair Oaks Ranch) were on hand to visit with all Rotarians from the four clubs.
Special thanks go to Mary Thompson (Fair Oaks Ranch), Yvonne and Doug Duncan (Fair Oaks Ranch), Rick Swinghammer (Boerne), and Reg Cully (Boerne Sunrise) for planning with coordinator Cha Karulak (Boerne Sunrise) to conduct this fundraiser. Boerne Radio was recognized for providing public service announcements to inform the community about this event.
DG Craig Hardy shared a quick Rotary moment regarding one of his friends in school who had polio and the impact it had on Craig’s life. Karulak thanked all those who attended, delivered a quick update on the status of Polio, and stated the positive impact donations generated this evening will have in support of the PolioPlus program.