WE DID IT! WE PAINTED THE QUAD CITIES RED! ❤️
After nearly 90 days of planning, coordinating, promoting, fundraising, and bringing people together, the World's Largest Polio Walk – Quad Cities is officially in the books, and what an incredible success it was!
First, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to every person who played a part in making this event happen. Your time, talents, energy, resources, generosity, and commitment helped turn an idea into an amazing day of fellowship, community engagement, and action toward a polio-free world.
What made this event especially meaningful was the collaboration and partnership between Rotary District 6000 and Rotary District 6420. This was a wonderful example of what happens when we put district lines aside, work together, and unite behind something bigger than ourselves.
We were especially excited to have 10 Rotary clubs from across District 6000 represented, alongside our friends and fellow Rotarians from District 6420. That kind of participation demonstrates the power of Rotary connections and what we can accomplish when clubs and districts come together around a shared purpose.
❤️ More Than a Walk — A Community Coming Together
The day was about so much more than walking approximately 2.5 miles from Vibrant Arena to the Oculus on the I-74 Bridge and back.
It was about:
- Raising awareness of Rotary's commitment to ending polio.
- Honoring polio survivors and remembering those whose lives have been affected by this devastating disease.
- Bringing Rotarians, families, students, businesses, sponsors, and community members together.
- Demonstrating the power of collaboration across clubs, districts, and communities.
- Raising funds to support Rotary's continued efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
From registration and apparel distribution to the music, opening program, survivor recognition, Purple Pinkies, and the walk itself, there were so many special touches that made the day memorable.
A special thank-you to our volunteers who helped with setup, registration, participant direction, route coordination, refreshments, and all the behind-the-scenes details. So much work happens before anyone takes that first step, and it certainly did not go unnoticed.
❤️ The Power of Rotary Collaboration
One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is the reminder that Rotary is so much bigger than any one club or district.
The partnership between District 6000 and District 6420 made this event even more special. It gave us an opportunity to build relationships, work alongside one another, share resources, and demonstrate what is possible when we bring our collective passion for service together.
Having 10 District 6000 clubs represented was particularly exciting. I hope this is just the beginning of even more opportunities for clubs throughout our district to collaborate, support one another, and participate in projects that make a difference.
This is exactly the kind of energy, connection, and engagement I want us to continue building throughout Rotary.
❤️ Thank You to Our Sponsors, Partners & Supporters
We also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to our sponsors, community partners, corporate teams, volunteers, students, and everyone who helped spread the word and support the event.
Your generosity and willingness to step forward helped make this event possible. Whether you sponsored, donated, volunteered, walked, shared a social media post, or encouraged someone else to participate, you were part of something meaningful.
And to our EarlyAct and Interact students, thank you for bringing your enthusiasm and helping share the message of End Polio Now with the next generation.
❤️ A Movement Much Bigger Than the Quad Cities
As we were reminded during our planning, the World's Largest Polio Walk initiative represents an incredible worldwide Rotary effort, bringing together districts, clubs, and communities across multiple states and countries.
Our Quad Cities walk was one part of that much larger movement, but it was a powerful reminder that every step, every conversation, every donation, and every act of service matters.
We may not see the finish line of polio eradication just yet, but we are continuing to move closer.
❤️ Let's Keep the Momentum Going!
I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect on what we accomplished together and, more importantly, the relationships we built along the way.
Let's continue sharing photos, stories, and highlights from the event. Let's celebrate the clubs and individuals who participated, recognize our sponsors and partners, and keep the message alive.
#EndPolioNow #WorldsLargestPolioWalk #Rotary #District6000 #District6420
Most importantly, let's carry this spirit of collaboration into our next Rotary projects and opportunities.
Thank you for saying YES. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing in the mission. And thank you for reminding us all what makes Rotary so special.
Together, we took steps toward a polio-free world, strengthened relationships between two districts, and demonstrated that when Rotarians unite behind a cause, incredible things happen!
I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this team and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together next.
With gratitude and Rotary spirit,
Gretchen Nollman, DGE D6000