That’s me in Death Valley — 282 feet below sea level, August, 115 in the shade, but no shade anywhere. The hand-lettered “End Polio, Rotary” sign. No committee, no lead time, just one offbeat Rotarian thinking Polio the day before..

It raised approx. $8,000 for Polio. With Gates’ 2 for 1 match $24,000. It wasn’t the miles that brought in the funds – it was the crazy idea itself – the hook. It inspired others an excuse to join in (maybe from their A/C!) to a cause they already respect.

Imagine all of District 6900 focused on a single date — World Polio Day, October 24.

Clubs can imagine their own initiative. It need not be hard or taxing. Here are some great examples from around the world:

Proven, fun ideas:

• Purple Pinkie Donuts — $20 = a dozen; District 6650's project has generated more than $600,000 nationally. Turnkey, replicable district-wide. Rotarydistrict5650
• Purple Pinkie beer — an Evanston club partners with a brewery donating $1/pint and $1/four-pack, contributing $2,000–3,000 each fall. Rotarydistrict6650
• Pints for Polio / restaurant nights — a pub or restaurant gives 15–20% of the take. Near-zero cost to the club. Rotary7090
• World's Greatest Meal — swap the regular meeting meal for a cheaper one, donate the difference. Every club can do it the week of Oct 24.
• Pies for Polio — $50 to pie someone in the face, film and post. Built for social spread.
•  Tulip sale (Dutch model) — brought in roughly $175,000, now including organic bulbs. Rotarydistrict6650

Finally, there is this: Florida District Governors’ are promoting a similar End Polio Now giving campaign. With FDC Bob Hagan and D6900’s “can do” spirit– they won’t know what hit them! Ideas are already rolling in- send me yours!