Rotarians June and Bill Long (standing) were recently honored by two major donors for their outstanding service with the PolioPlus program.
Shawn Nowlin shawn.nowlin@ourvalley.org
The City of Salem is home to approximately 25,000 people. One of the many organizations consistently making a difference in the community is the Rotary Club of Salem. For over 71 years, the organization, consisting of a committed group of men and women, has been providing various services throughout the Roanoke Valley and the world.
The Rotary Club of Salem has 130 active civic leaders and professional businesses in its membership. “Salem Rotarians work hard every day by investing resources in community, vocational and international service. Our commitment to Salem, Roanoke and the surrounding areas has inspired us to raise more than one million dollars for charity and community service programs,” said an organization spokesperson. “Most of our members, however, will tell you it is the fellowship and lasting friendships that they cherish and find most rewarding.”
Garry Norris, the Rotary 7570 District Annual Fund Chair, and Assistant Governor Tim Wilborne accepted a massive gift donation from two club Rotarians on May 7. The accumulated gift was designated to Polio Plus and in honor of Rotarians June and Bill Long and their work with the PolioPlus program.
“Contributions to the Rotary Foundation are essential to securing and growing Rotary programs throughout the world. Donors are recognized so we may express our gratitude for their commitment,” said member Ruth Parsons.
It’s been 30 years since PolioPlus launched its campaign to rid the world of polio. To celebrate three decades of polio eradication efforts, Rotary members worldwide are currently holding events. The only two countries in the world to have never stopped the transmission of polio are Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A huge component of the Rotary Club is sponsoring various causes. Throughout the years, the Salem organization has sponsored the Roy W. Henrickson Outstanding Citizen Award, the Service Above Self Vocational Award, the Jostens Trophy and Salem Education Foundation Scholarships, just to name a few.
Said President Jeffrey Howard, “Our members include business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, tradespeople and government officials who make ‘Service About Self’ a part of their daily lives. We invite people to attend one of our meetings, which are held at noon on Thursdays at the Salem Civic Center. We are always looking for people who are interested in opening opportunities for others.”
More information can be found at rotaryclubofsalem.org or by visiting the Rotary Club of Salem’s Facebook page.