Dear Editor,
Rotary International has been successfully eradicating Polio from our planet for the past 20 years. With 2 billion (yes, billion) children immunized through Rotary’s Polio Plus program, we are getting very close to completing the task — wiping Polio off the face of the Earth. Recently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed itself to the cause as well, pledging $355 million if Rotary can raise a further $200 million over the next three years. Thus, the Rotary Club of Whistler organized the Elixirs of Life fundraising event to do our share.
It never ceases to amaze me how generous the community of Whistler is, even in difficult financial times. Thanks to our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests, we raised $25,000 at our first, and now annual, event. With Whistler’s contributions to Polio Plus, Rotary International has already raised over $100 million. This year’s (2010) event is May 29 at the Squamish Lillooet Cultural Centre.
Our thanks to our many sponsors and donors:
Chateau de Beaucastel, The Perrin Family, Gwen Baudisch and the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Mark Herron, Louise Caparella, Mark Hanno and the Four Seasons Resort, New World Wines, Elizabeth and Peter Crews, The United States Consulate, Consul General Phillip Chicola, Daniel Liddy, International Sommelier Guild, Ambiance Vins, Igal Amsallem, The Blackcomb Liquor Store, Michael Kompass, Mountain Blooms, Linda Marshall, AVW Telav Audio Visual Services, Harry Smith, Layer Cake Wines, Chris Radomski, Barnett Vineyards, De Lille Cellars, Kistler Vineyards, Darioush Khaledi Winery, Kestrel Vintners, Zefina Winery, Mad Housewife Wines, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Wendy Whaco, Mountain Galleries, Bearfoot Bistro, Araxi, Top Table Group, AND Tracy Bruns, Joan Toone, Dianne Diamond and her team –—Sandy Epplett, Jackie Tyler, Bronwen Thorburn, Kimiko Taguchi and Kimberley Gannon, Jeff Maskell for his wizardry on the piano, Judy Soferman and Marc Rosenshein.
Greg Diamond
President, The Rotary Club of Whistler
