Nov. 3:  Rotarians are making and serving dinner at Ronald McDonald House 

Nov. 26: Rotarians are ringing bells for Salvation Army at the Walmart on 168th and Maple from 11:00am-5:00pm (Sign ups are coming soon)

Dec. 10: Rotarians are needed to usher at the Omaha Christmas Concert organized by Laura and Glenn Greet at Millard West. Ushers are needed from 5:45-6:30 and are welcome to stay for the concert (6:30-8:30) Kathy Wawers is the contact or sign up online by clicking on the date on the calendar on our website. 

37 years ago Rotary International started the Polio Plus program, whose goal was to eradicate Polio from the face of the earth.  We’re down to two endemic countries, but as the recent case in New York reminds us, the battle is not over until it’s completely won.

One of the biggest problems we’re facing right now is “Polio fatigue.”  Rotarians have been hearing about Polio Plus for decades and currently only 1 Rotarian in 10 is donating to Polio Plus.  This is creating a funding shortfall at the most critical moment in the battle.  This last little bit is the hardest part of the fight. 

 

Gary Bren wants to remind us all how important our engagement in this fight is.  He’s going to be riding 102.6 miles in the Ride to End Polio on November 19^th.    His goal is to raise $30,000 for Polio Plus…but the fundraising doesn’t stop there.  Our Rotary District will match dollar for dollar up to the first $20,000.  The funds are then matched two for one by The Gates Foundation.   That means that if you donate to support this ride, your funds will be matched as much as three for one.  If you help Gary meet his goal of $30,000, through matches that will be $150,000 towards Polio Plus.

 

The Ride to End Polio is part of the Tour De Tucson, which is celebrating it’s 39^th year on November 19^th.  Rotary got involved in 2009 and since then Rotarians have raised over $18,000,000—$53,000,000 when the Gates Match is added in—for Polio Plus.

The course for 102 mile ride covers a good portion of the Tucson Metro area, with scenery varying from Downtown to the aircraft boneyard to desert and Saguaro cactus.  Gary will be live streaming his ride, so you’ll be able to virtually come along with him and see the sights.  He finished the ride in 6 hours and 30 minutes last year and his goal is to finish under six hours this year.

You can make a donation to support Gary at his Raise For Rotary page. Donations made through Raise for Rotary will be credited to your Foundation giving and added to your club’s total donations. 

37 years ago Rotary made a promise to the children of the world.  In those 37 years we have:

Please consider supporting this ride to help Rotary make good on it’s promise to finish this battle.

Monday:  Millard at Noon - in person, no reservations required at the German American Society 

                 Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club meets at DJ’s Dugout in Bellevue on Mondays at noon.  No prior registration is required. 

 

Tuesday:  Omaha Morning at 7:00 at Happy Hollow- hybrid meetings. Click here to register. 

                  NW Rotary at noon- at Garden Cafe in Rockbrook 

 

Wednesday: Omaha Downtown at Noon resuming hybrid meetings.  

                       Council Bluffs Centennial 7am at HyVee on Madison upstairs