BURLINGTON, VT — Rotary District 7850 joined baseball fans at the Vermont Lake Monsters game to raise awareness and funds in support of Rotary International’s global humanitarian campaign to eradicate polio.
Rotarians representing 12 Rotary clubs from across the district participated in the event, engaging with fans about Rotary’s humanitarian mission and the worldwide effort to end polio forever. The highlight of the evening was a 50/50 raffle, which netted more than $600 to support Rotary’s PolioPlus program.
Thanks to one of Rotary’s partners, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s 2-to-1 matching program, every dollar donated to Rotary’s polio eradication efforts is tripled in impact. As a result, the more than $600 raised at the game will become more than $1,800 in the fight against polio.
On average, it costs approximately $3 to fully protect one child from polio, including the vaccine, transportation, and delivery. With the Gates Foundation match, the funds raised during the event can help provide life-saving polio immunizations for about 600 children.
District Governor Ariel Mondlak emphasized the importance of community partnerships in Rotary’s mission.
“Events like this remind us that every community can play a role in solving global challenges. The generosity of Lake Monsters fans demonstrates that when people come together around a common purpose, even a night at the ballpark can help protect hundreds of children from a disease that should exist only in history books. Rotary is proud to continue leading the fight until polio is eradicated everywhere.”
Past District Governor and District Membership and Polio Plus Chair Eric Denu highlighted how service connects people and strengthens communities.
“Rotary is about bringing people together to make a meaningful difference. Our members had the opportunity to share Rotary’s story while inviting others to become part of something bigger than themselves. Whether someone purchases a raffle ticket, volunteers at an event, or joins a Rotary club, every act of service creates lasting impact—both here at home and around the world.”
The event also introduced baseball fans to Rotary’s commitment to creating positive change in communities locally and internationally. Volunteers shared information about Rotary’s service projects, fellowship opportunities, and the remarkable progress made toward eliminating polio worldwide.
Since launching the PolioPlus program in 1985, Rotary has helped reduce global polio cases by more than 99.9% through partnerships with governments, global health organizations, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While tremendous progress has been made, Rotary remains committed to ensuring that no child anywhere suffers from this preventable disease. Rotary made a promise to the children of the world that no child should be inflicted with the terrible disease Polio, that all children can run a play and grow up in a Polio free world. The Polio vaccine is the only way this will become a reality.
Rotary District 7850 extends its sincere appreciation to the Vermont Lake Monsters, the generous fans who participated in the raffle, and the dedicated Rotarians whose enthusiasm made the evening a success.
About Rotary District 7850
Rotary District 7850 is home to Rotary clubs throughout northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and three clubs in Québec, Canada. Guided by Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” members lead projects that improve health, expand educational opportunities, support local communities, protect the environment, and advance peace throughout the world. Visit Rotary.org or Rotary7850.org to learn more about Rotary or how you can become part of this winning Team!
