President John’s Message

Did you see the news story last week that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed another $1.2 billion to support efforts to end Polio globally?  For years the Gates Foundation has followed Rotary’s lead to rid the world of this crippling disease.  In fact, the Gates Foundation matches individual Rotarian’s gifts to the Polio Plus fund on a two to one basis.  Rotary has committed to raising $50 million each year for several years now which the Gates Foundation matches with $100 million.

I want to thank the many Roswell Rotarians and friends that came out Monday night to support the fight against Polio at our First Annual World Polio Day Cornhole Tournament at Lucky’s Burger & Brew.  The money we raised will be matched two to one by Gates in our effort to end Polio.  And many thanks to our member Ted Lescher of Lucky’s for hosting our tournament and donating part of the evening’s proceeds to End Polio Now.

Next month as part of Foundation month, Past Rotary International President and current End Polio Now chair John Germ will speak to our club about the Rotary Foundation and our fight to end Polio worldwide.  We will recognize Rotarians who have reached their first Paul Harris Fellow giving level and others who reach a Paul Harris+ level.  Now would be a great time to take advantage of a Club special one for one match of donations to the Rotary Foundation and reach your first or next level of giving.  If you have questions about the matching funds or how to get to your first or next level of giving, contact our Foundation Chair, Leslie Bassett.