Polio Plus

In 1985, Rotary launched PolioPlus, one of the most ambitious humanitarian programs ever undertaken by a private-sector organization.

Rotary's pledge of $120 million to fund its PolioPlus program was announced in October 1985 at the 40th anniversary of the United Nations. This ambitious commitment electrified the global public health community. Within three years, Rotarians had more than doubled their fundraising goal, donating $247 million. By 2005, Rotary's financial commitment will exceed half a billion dollars.

 PolioPlus was the catalyst for the World Health Assembly's resolution in 1988 to eradicate polio. Today, thanks to Rotary's $500 million commitment and its leadership in mobilizing volunteers, the world is on the threshold of eradicating the poliovirus. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is recognized worldwide as a model of public and private cooperation in pursuit of a humanitarian goal. Rotarians have delivered vaccine by camels and helicopters, trucks and motorbikes, staffed immunization posts, raised community awareness of the value of immunization, and, in the process, helped to mobilize 10 million volunteers.

The Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunset is proud to be a significant contributor to the Polio Eradication Campaign, having been a part of the $119 Million raised since the 2002 Campaign re-charged the "Race to the Last Child."