The eradication of polio is one of Rotary's longest standing and most significant efforts. October 24th is "World Polio Day" and a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.  When we eradicate polio worldwide, it will join smallpox as the second human disease ever to be eradicated.   

Thanks to the work of Rotary and our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), polio cases have been reduced by 99.9% worldwide since 1988. By working together with our partners, governments, and communities around the world, we've immunized over 3 billion children in 122 countries.  As of August, 2026, only Pakistan (2) and Afghanistan (3) have reported new onset cases of Polio, so far, in 2026.       We are closer than ever to eradication polio but we're not done yet.  We still need funds to continue immunizations and surveillance efforts.  All donations are matched 2-1 by the Gates Foundation, tripling your impact.  It is critical for us to continue our efforts to eradicate polio for good because one child paralyzed by this vaccine-preventable disease is one child too many.

The Rotary Club of Ankeny is a 501(C)4 corporation - Service Organization - and donations are not considered tax deductible.  During the September Board meeting, the Board reviewed a proposal for the Club to form a 501(C)3 non-profit corporation.  Forming a non-profit is an issue that has come up several times in the past, but it was felt the benefits did not justify the organizatioal cost and reporting requirements.  The opportunity to receive contributions for the Kathy Sibbel Legacy Endowment Fund required the Board to take a fresh look at forming a 501(C)3 corporation.  In addition to receiving funds for this endowment, it is beleived forming the 501(C)3 will encourage additional contributions to our club, allow the club to qualify for additional sponsorships and grants from companies that only donate to 501(C)3 organizations, and qualify some member donations to be matched by their employer.  

The application fee is only $275, if the company has less than $50,000 in gross receipts in any year, and there is a biannual report required, but there is an EZ form which is simply a postcard that we could use.  Iowa has a $50 filing fee and requires an annual report, and $30 annual fee.  Del Mohler offered to complete the application for the corporation, prepare the corporate documents, and file the paperwork with the Secretary of State.  The name of the new corporation is the Rotary Club of Ankeny Foundation.  As of the end of September, the application has been filed and we expect to receive the letter of approval from the IRS in the next few days, the Articles of Incorporation have been filed with the Secretary of State, and we have received an Employer Identification Number.  The Board of directors for the Rotary Club of Ankeny Foundation will be the Rotary Club of Ankeny President, President Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer and Rick Sibbel.  This foundation will be used to manage the Kathy Sibbel Endowment and other non-profit donations and accounts for the Rotary Club of Ankeny.

At their September meeting, the Club's Board approved four donation requests.   They included the following:

Ankeny Historical Society - $100 - Annual membership sponsorship

Blessman International - $2,000 - Feminine Hygiene Kit Project with the goal of helping girls in rural South Africa stay in school, maintain their dignity, and participate fully in their education during menstruation.

GoServ Global - $1,000 to assist with the cost of shipping Christmas boxes for children living a large school, clinic, and several orphanages supported by GoServ Global in Haiti. 

CIVITAS -$1,000 to sponsor law enforcement training on human trafficking 

Robb Gardner was introduced as the newest member of the Rotary Club of Ankeny during the noon meeting on September 15th.  Robb is the Chief Operating Officer & Chief of Staff for the Iowa Hospital Association and a former member of the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant Iowa.

Welcome Robb! 

Doors open: 12:00 PM  40 exciting bingo games
Session 1: 1:30-4:00 PM-20 games
Break: 4:00-5:00 PM
Session 2: 5:00-7:30 PM 20 games

Play one session or join us for both!

Cash prizes paid out after every game.
Delicious local food trucks - Cold beverages from the Uptown Garage
Supporting local charities such as: the Foster Squad,

 Food Bank of Iowa, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

No advance registration required. Bingo packet purchases at the door when you arrive. Seating limited, so come early!

Families are welcome!  EVERY attendee, including children MUST purchase and play at least one Bingo packet.

Gather your friends and get ready to PLAY FOR A PURPOSE!

Learn more: https://ankenyeveningrotary.org/page/flagship-event-

The Rotary Club of Ankeny's corporate member, GoServ Global supports a large school, clinic and several orphanages in Haiti.  This Christmas, they are collecting gift boxes specifically for the children living in the orphanages.  They hope to collect 300-400 Christmas boxes this year.  The kids look forward to this every year, and get very excited when they see the boxes.

Boxes will be available at Rotary meetings through September 15th for any one that would be willing to help fill a box or several boxes.  Gifts should be kept gender neutral and please no winter hats or gloves.  Gift suggestions include small toys, games, personal care items, and school supplies.  Filled boxes can be returned to Maggie Carstensen by September 22nd or earlier, by bringing them back to a Rotary meeting.  Contact Maggie at maggie@goservglobal.org with any questions.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our club to make kids feel valued and loved and helping to make Christmas extra special for them!