End Polio Now Champions Award Presentation

Thursday, August 13, 2020 Immediate Past District Governor David Simmer performed his final official act from his year of service. He arrived at the home of Mesa West Rotary Club’s 2019-20 President Jim Schmidt just as the club’s Zoom meeting was starting. After taking a large trophy from the trunk of his Rotary emblazoned vehicle, he and several other Rotarians who were in on the surprise were at the front door when Jim opened it. Jim didn’t let anyone enter until he donned the Rotary mask he was given.

PDG David recognized Mesa West Rotary Club for their incredible support of The Rotary Foundation:

  • More Paul Harris Society members than any other club in the district – members who give $1,000 a year or more to The Rotary Foundation.
  • Winner of a $2,000 grant in recognition of their strong support of TRF through Rotary Direct – where members set up automated repetitive donations through their “My Rotary” accounts.
  • The trifecta – Mesa West Rotary is the first recipient of the travelling trophy as the EndPolio Now Champions for 2019-20.

PDG David recognized District Governor Elizabeth, a great supporter of The Rotary Foundation; PDG Jim Erickson – the architect of the End Polio Now Champions award and passionate advocate for ending polio. He also acknowledged the Mesa Rotary Club for having donated the incredible trophy to the District. The trophy is Rotary founder Paul Harris holding a small boy with the boy’s polio braces on the ground at their feet. Praising Jim Schmidt for his leadership, PDG David turned the trophy over to him.

In accepting the award, PP Jim Schmidt acknowledged his Foundation Chair Chuck Flint, Assistant Governor Lee Holmes for always was there to support, and reminded everyone that Mesa West Rotary will defend the travelling trophy because they are, and will remain, the Ace of Clubs. It should be noted that the Mesa West club contributed more than 25% of the total funds the District gave to the EndPolio Now campaign.  Their per capita giving to EndPolio Now was well over $400 per member!