Letter to the Editor: Rotary's Goal End Polio in our Lifetime

This letter was written and provided by Josh Arnold, public relations chairman of the Rotary District 7930 and Ray Graber, public relations chair Burlington Club:

On March 7th, Rotarians from the 48 clubs of District 7930 will descend on the City of Gloucester at Long Beach adjacent the Cape Ann Motor Inn to brave the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean all to raise awareness and funding for the eradication of Polio. The race to the water will be at 11:15 A.M.

Last year’s efforts raised $103,000 which was then matched 2 to 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This year’s event is co-chaired by Amy Luckiwicz of the Wakefield Club and Tracy Arabian of the Gloucester Club. More than 1000 spectators and 200 plus plungers are expected. This year’s goal is to raise $125,000 in sponsorship for the Rotarians braving the icy waters of Long Beach.

Rotary District 7930 is a group of 48 clubs with approximately 2,000 members from Boston to Southern New Hampshire who are taking part in the 5th annual Polar Plunge.

The event began in 2010 when the Gloucester Rotary Club played host to 35 ‘plungers’ and a couple hundred beachside supporters by providing hot cocoa, hot coffee, chowder, and a place to change at the Cape Ann Motor Inn.

The Polar Plunge’s first year goals articulated by then, District Governor Nominee Joy Kursewicz, were to raise awareness, money, and enjoy a fellowship activity for Rotarians and the public. The activity, now billed as New England’s favorite “Winter Beach Party”, has grown each year drawing more participants, spectators, funding, and recognition for this important cause.

Last year, a Garrison Flag was draped from the back side of the Cape Ann Motor Inn while 850 spectators combined with more than 200 plungers sang “God BlessAmerica” before making the mad dash into the freezing cold water.

People attending are encouraged to drive to Good Harbor Beach in Gloucesterm where they will be shuttled on busses from Cape Ann Transportation Authority and the local YMCA to Long Beach just a mile down the road. Hot and cold refreshments, a photo booth, and other activities are planned for the day. The public is invited to attend and cheer on the Rotarians from 48 clubs.

Image via Rotary District 7930

About Rotary International

Rotary International (RI), the 110 year old humanitarian and service organization, is getting closer and closer to achieving its “signature goal” of the worldwide eradication of polio in our lifetime.

Few service philanthropic and humanitarian organizations in the history have embarked on such a noble and lofty goal as the elimination of a dreadful disease. Rotary International, with its 34,000 + clubs and 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 200 countries is “this close” to its goal.

In 1986 Rotary International set its sights on eliminating polio from the Philippine Islands. Based on the success of that venture, RI decided to make the eradication of polio in the remaining 125 countries its number one worldwide humanitarian goal. Since 1986 RI has been committed to eradicating polio globally. More recently, they have partnered with the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to vaccinate children around the world. To date they have eliminated polio from all but three countries; Nigeria, Afghanistan, andPakistan.

Polio was significantly prevalent in the United States roughly sixty years ago. In the context of raising funds for the eradication of polio, Rotarians have sought to educate the general public about the plight of those afflicted with this deadly disease in many of the remote corners of the world.

Rotary District 7930 invites other rotary clubs from across Massachusetts to attend the fifth annual Polar Plunge rescheduled for March 7th, 2015 atGloucester’s Long Beach adjacent Cape Ann Motor Inn, at 10:15 with the rush to the water occurring at 11:15 A.M.