Joined: 07 Jul 2007
Posts: 43
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This is a historic day for Rotary. It is our great pleasure to inform
you of a new partnership between Rotary International and the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation that will provide a much needed US$200
million in support of our top goal of a polio-free world.
The Gates Foundation has awarded The Rotary Foundation a challenge
grant of $100 million, which Rotary will match, dollar for dollar,
over three years. This is the largest single grant ever given to a
volunteer service organization and represents a tremendous validation
of the approach and success of our PolioPlus program.
This partnership comes at a critical juncture for the polio
eradication initiative, which needs an infusion of funds to reach the
eradication goal. For this reason, the initial $100 million will be
distributed by The Rotary Foundation through grants to the World
Health Organization and UNICEF in direct support of polio
immunization activities in 2008.
Your participation in this effort is crucial to making it a success.
The Rotary International Board of Directors and the Trustees of The
Rotary Foundation have unanimously agreed to accept this challenge
grant to ensure the success of the PolioPlus program. We feel
confident that this extraordinary commitment from the Gates
Foundation and Rotary will serve as a catalyst for further donations
from others to help us realize the dream of a polio-free world.
In 1985, we promised every child a world free from the threat of
polio, and we are almost there. This funding agreement between Rotary
and the Gates Foundation is a huge step forward, bringing us even
closer to our goal. Success is our only option.
Wilfrid J. Wilkinson
Rotary International President 07-08
Robert S. Scott
The Rotary Foundation,
Trustee Chair 2007-08 |
_________________
Ron Nethercutt
PP, PAG, TRF Alumnus, PHF+4
ROTI Internaltional Chair 07-09
D 3790 GSE Chair
RC Clark Centennial
Angeles City, Philippines |
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