Rotary announced that, “despite a stagnant global economy,” its clubs around the world succeeded in raising more than US$200 million in new funding for polio eradication. The fundraising milestone was reached in response to a US$355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. All funds have been earmarked to support polio immunization activities in affected countries. Rotary Foundation Trustee John F. Germ noted, “We’ll celebrate this milestone, but it doesn’t mean that we’ll stop raising money or spreading the word about polio eradication. We can’t stop until our entire world is certified as polio free.” Jeff Raikes, CEO of the Gates Foundation, said, “In recognition of Rotary’s great work, and to inspire Rotarians in the future, the foundation is committing an additional $50 million to extend our partnership. Rotary started the global fight against polio, and continues to set the tone for private fundraising, grassroots engagement and maintaining polio at the top of the agenda with key policy makers.”

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rotary-clubs-worldwide-meet-200-million-fundraising-challenge-for-polio-eradication-137526003.html