The spirit of community and commitment to global health initiatives were vibrantly displayed as Kihei Elementary School's Student Council and Dolphin Ambassadors EarlyAct Group partnered with the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset for their fifth annual “Pennies for Polio” fundraising drive. This impactful campaign, led by school staff member Esther Byun and Rotary member Joanne Laird, supports Rotary International’s “End Polio Now Campaign.”
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Over a 10-day period in February, students from all grade levels contributed to the cause, raising an impressive total of $1,804. The funds were gathered through a school-wide effort, with each classroom equipped with custom-made posters and collection jars, creatively crafted by the student leaders themselves.
Ms. Rene Romerdahl’s first grade class and Ms. Jody Glickman’s fourth grade class emerged as the top contributors, earning a well-deserved Jamba Juice/Healthy Snack party sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. Their collective efforts not only demonstrated their commitment to a noble cause but also brought a sense of pride and achievement to the young students.
The drive received additional support from the Rotary Club of Kihei Wailea, with significant contributions from members Jay Satenstein and Jim Fritch. The American Savings Bank Kahului Branch also played a crucial role by meticulously counting and recording the considerable amounts of coins and currency collected across the 36 participating classes.
In a gesture of fostering future leadership and philanthropy, the EarlyAct student leaders were allocated a quarter of the collected funds to support their upcoming projects. The remainder of the funds was sent to Rotary International’s “End Polio Now” campaign, where it will benefit from a 2-1 matching contribution by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
This event not only highlights the effective collaboration between educational institutions and community organizations like Rotary but also underscores the power of collective action in making a substantial impact on global health initiatives. The continued success of the “Pennies for Polio” drive at Kihei Elementary School serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the ongoing fight against polio, ensuring that every penny counts towards a polio-free world.
For more details on this inspiring story and other local initiatives, visit rotaryd5000.org.