Local Rotary clubs are hosting a World Polio Day fundraiser in an effort to end polio completely in the midst of its near-global eradication.
"It was about 29 reported cases of polio globally, but now it's rising back up and there's more outreach needed," Hot Springs National Park Rotary PR Chairman Tim Metcalf said. "I think last year there were 82 cases and even though we keep getting it almost eradicated, all of a sudden it starts creeping back up."
The public fundraiser will be a dinner held from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 24, at Capone's Loft, 802-300 Central Ave. Tickets are $50 each.
In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched, polio was present in more than 125 countries and paralyzed about 1,000 children per day, but thanks to immunization efforts that have reached nearly 3 billion children, the incidence of polio has decreased by 99% since then, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Gates Foundation's goal is to completely eradicate polio by 2020, and it has pledged to match all World Polio Day donations 2-1.
"For a $50 ticket you're, in essence, donating $150," Metcalf said. "That will immunize over 150 children globally."
The dinner, catered by The Beehive and Xplore Cafe, will feature a silent auction and a game of "squares." Metcalf said the fundraiser's financial goal is $10,000, which would become $30,000 because of the Gates Foundation pledge.
"The Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)(3), so it's a tax-deductible donation," Metcalf said. "Another thing is, some people get caught up on 'Oh, I'm doing something else that night,' but if you want to make a donation, we'd still appreciate it."
He added, "How many opportunities do you have to be a part of eradicating a disease?"
Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries, according to an HSNP Rotary Club news release. The disease remains endemic in three countries -- Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases.
For more information, call Metcalf at 501-860-0032. For ticket purchases, visit http://www.eventbrite.com.
Local on 10/14/2019