Poland Rotary takes on polio

Photo by: Shaiyla Hakeem

Photo

Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Poland Rotarians Henery Nemenz (left), Hank Conrad, Mary Ann Martinko adn Mike Klim at their benefit luncheon April 28. The luncheon, held at Carrabbas Italian Grill, raised funds for the Rotary's Polio Plus Program.

Poland Rotary held a benefit luncheon at Carrabba’s Italian Grill April 28 to raise funds for their Polio Plus Program, a signature program of Rotary International.

Poland Rotary Chairman Mary Ann Martinko said there are three countries that still suffer from the polio disease — Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghansitan.

This is the first year they have raised money for this particular cause.

“We are trying to raise additional funds to add with funds from the Bill Gates Foundation, to eradicate polio in those three countries,” Martinko said.

She said the Bill Gates Foundation has already given a large amount toward the polio issue and Rotary International is working toward matching those contributions. All of the monies collected will go to the Rotary International Polio Foundation.

Martinko said the collection for the foundation will be an ongoing effort since it will take years to eradicate polio from the remaining three countries, and donations are appreciated.

For information on donating, contact Martinko at 330-540-1647 or visit www.rotary.org.