Rotary District 5130 Raises $56,600 to End Polio, Bringing Total to $169,800 with The Gates Foundation Match

Rotary District 5130 clubs collectively raised $56,600 to support worldwide polio eradication, surpassing the district's $50,000 fundraising goal. With the Gates Foundation's 2-to-1 match, the contributions will generate a total of $169,800 for the fight to end polio. The district's World Polio Torch Relay concluded in Petaluma on October 24, World Polio Day, recognizing the clubs, volunteers, donors and community partners who made the campaign possible.

TORCH WALK AND CLOSING CEREMONY

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Hosted by Petaluma's three Rotary clubs, the finale included a two-mile community walk along Lynch Creek from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a closing ceremony from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at Miracle League Field in Lucchesi Park.

The ceremony marked the end of the torch's journey, which began in Crescent City on October 2. Throughout the relay, Rotary clubs and their communities carried and transferred the community relay torch at local events, raising awareness and funds for Rotary's End Polio Now campaign.

Closing ceremony speakers

·District Polio Chair Bob Rogers, a polio survivor;

·District Governor Jeff Kolin;

·Petaluma Rotary club presidents Mike Stauber, Pam Tuft and Ann Moreno.

·Petaluma Mayor Kevin McDonnell presented a City of Petaluma proclamation.

·Dr. Patrick O'Connor, Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer, presented a proclamation from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

The presentations recognized World Polio Day and Rotary's commitment to ending polio.

The Petaluma finale celebrated the collective efforts of Rotary clubs, volunteers, donors and community partners across six Northern California counties. Their dedication helped advance Rotary's mission to eradicate polio worldwide while demonstrating the power of communities working together toward a shared humanitarian goal.

About Rotary District 5130

Rotary District 5130 brings together 46 Rotary clubs across Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties. Members serve their communities and support humanitarian projects worldwide, including Rotary's long-standing effort to eradicate polio. To learn more, visit www.district5130.org.

About the Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation works with partners to reduce inequities in health and opportunity, supporting efforts to prevent infectious diseases, improve maternal and child health, and help people overcome poverty. Polio eradication is a major focus of its global health work. Through its partnership with Rotary, the foundation provides two matching dollars for every dollar Rotary commits to ending polio, tripling the impact of contributions. Learn more at gatesfoundation.org.