Rotarians know about the work Rotary International does all around the world to banish polio, and they also know they cannot stop until the disease that kills and cripples is eliminated.

In late October the Rotary Club of New Port Richey’s Interact Club and its members participated in the 2017 Purple Pinky Day to spotlight Rotary’s global polio program. This club was one of the thousands of Rotary clubs in their own communities representing Purple Pinky Day throughout the world all with the same focus.

New Port Richey Rotarian, Nanci Larson, addressed members at the meeting noting that Purple Pinky Day is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the community about what Rotary does to eradicate polio. Also by getting the club’s River Ridge Interact members involved  is another way to inform today’s youth that polio still exists “…but we’re this close to removing this crippling disease from the world,” as Ms. Larson indicated with her index finger and thumb. “It’s important people learn about Rotary’s impact even from the community level.”

Also on the committee this year was Dr. Toni Zetzschce, principal at River Ridge High School. Rotary members were asked to donate that day as well and together with the Interact club they were able to send nearly $300 to Rotary International.

The event gets its name from the worldwide effort to eradicate polio.  Once a child is vaccinated, their pinky finger is dyed purple to indicate  that they received the oral vaccine.

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The New Port Richey Rotary Club was established in 1959 and meets every Wednesday for lunch at noon at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. The club’s current president is Brent Simon.

Rotary  International is an organization of business and  professional persons united world-wide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards  in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.