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Ahead of World Polio Day, Bastrop County Rotarians will continue efforts to support the fight against polio with their annual fundraising event on Oct. 3.
What's happening
Pints for Polio will be held at Smithville Brewing Company from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For a $25 donation, donors will receive a beer in a commemorative pint glass.
While not required, attendees are encouraged to RSVP online.
Bastrop County Rotary President Joni Thompson said the money raised will be matched and doubled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—a partner in the fight against polio.
Some context
Polio, or poliomyelitis, usually affects children younger than five. The highly contagious virus is spread from person to person, usually through contaminated water, attacking the nervous system. In some cases, it can lead to paralysis, according to Rotary International.
With no cure in sight, the best chance at eradicating the disease is through preventative vaccinations.
The virus is now only endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where vaccination efforts continue in full force, according to the World Health Organization.
Learn more
Focused on service, Bastrop County Rotary Club members help the community in a range of ways, including:
Lend a hand
Those interested in joining Bastrop County Rotary Club can contact Thompson at 713-540-1695, or attend an upcoming meeting.
"We meet every Tuesday from noon-1 p.m. at 602 Brewing Company for lunch and to discuss what's going on and what's needed," Thompson said. "We'd love to have more members, especially younger ones because we are all getting older now."
