A District United by Purpose
On October 24, 2025, Rotary District 5100 clubs across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together in a powerful display of unity for World Polio Day. From community pubs and classrooms to farmers markets and service projects, Rotarians stood side by side to raise awareness, funds, and hope for a world free from polio.
Since Rotary launched its fight against the crippling disease in 1985, global cases have fallen by 99.9%—yet the work continues. Every dollar raised by Rotarians is tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, making each fundraiser, each conversation, and each act of service even more impactful.
Stories of Impact Across the District
Hermiston: Cheers to Service
The Hermiston Rotary Club celebrated its 3rd Annual “Pints for Polio” event, bringing together members, spouses, and community supporters. Through games, tips, and donations from local businesses like Neighbor Dudes and Knotzen Brats, they raised $910.22—and even more community awareness.
Battle Ground: Solo Cups, Shared Mission
At the Battle Ground Rotary Club, members turned friendly competition into generosity with the Red Solo Cup Challenge. Each Rotarian pledged to fill a cup with at least $25 in change by Christmas, aiming to raise $600—proving that even small acts add up to big results.
Clackamas Sunrise: Fellowship in Action
The Clackamas Sunrise Club hosted three “Pints for Polio” socials, inviting members and friends to enjoy fellowship and beverages with a purpose. With keepsake cups and smiles all around, they raised $550 and logged five volunteer hours—reminding everyone that Rotary’s work can be both meaningful and fun.
Canby: The Power of Tradition
For the Rotary Club of Canby, World Polio Day is part of a year-round tradition. With “Polio Pigs” collecting donations at each meeting, a guest speaker highlighting Rotary’s fight against polio, and an annual Polio+ Golf Tournament, the club is closing in on its $2,500 goal for 2025–26.
Newberg Early Birds: Educating to Inspire
The Newberg Early Birds transformed an entire meeting into a celebration of learning and giving. Members watched a video on Pakistan’s vaccination efforts, heard from a local expert on polio history, and took part in a Rotary-themed quiz. Their $320 raised came with a creative twist—members painted their pinky fingers purple, sparking conversations throughout the community.
Dallas & Interact: Bigfoot Joins the Fight
In Dallas, the Rotary and Interact Clubs teamed up for “Purple Pinkies for Polio,” hosting four community events including one with a surprise guest—Bigfoot at the local Farmers Market! Together they raised $1,200, contributed 28 volunteer hours, and reminded attendees that even as polio remains endemic in just two countries, global vigilance must continue.
Milwaukie: Building Momentum
The Milwaukie Rotary Club marked World Polio Day during its regular meeting, raising $260 while planning its first-ever Pints for Polio event for December 10. Their enthusiasm is paving the way for a lasting club tradition.
Beaverton: Rivalry for a Cause
In Beaverton, football rivalry fueled fundraising through the Ducks vs. Beavers 100-Square Board Challenge, generating $1,000 for PolioPlus. Members also rolled up their sleeves for a community Hall Boulevard clean-up, collecting over 75 pounds of litter and showing that service takes many forms.
Keizer, Hillsboro, Stayton, and Beyond
Other clubs found creative ways to contribute:
• Keizer Rotary continued its annual fundraiser, planning to send nearly $1,200 before Thanksgiving.
• Hillsboro Rotary dedicated service hours at the Community Action Homeless Shelter, using action to build awareness.
• Stayton Area Rotary hosted inspiring speakers on The Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus giving opportunities.
• Tualatin Rotary shone especially bright, raising an incredible $8,117 and devoting dozens of hours to education and engagement—making them one of District 5100’s top contributors.
A Legacy of Leadership
At the Rotary Zone Institute, District 5100 learned that Zone 27 ranked #1 in the world for PolioGiving in 2024–25, with Zone 26 close behind at #4—a reflection of the tireless generosity and leadership of local clubs and Rotarians.
District 5100’s Top 10 PolioPlus Contributors this year include:
1. Tualatin – $15,908.15
2. Lake Oswego – $12,842.53
3. Hillsboro – $10,594.55
4. Wilsonville – $10,341.51
5. Keizer – $6,635.88
6. Salem – $5,916.26
7. Canby – $5,724.64
8. Forest Grove – $5,724.64
9. Camas-Washougal – $5,377.82
10. Kruse Way – $3,580.00
Together Toward a Polio-Free World
Each story, each dollar, and each volunteer hour reflects Rotary’s enduring vision:
“A world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.”
Rotary District 5100 continues to be part of that global mission—helping to ensure that no child, anywhere, will ever again suffer from polio.
For more information or to donate, visit www.endpolio.org.