This year we were able continue the men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament fundraiser. This fundraiser has been used for many years to support Rotary’s international effort to eliminate polio. This year $896.00 was raised for Rotary’s PolioPlus program. Normally, we would raise $800.00, but this year several members donated a combined total of $96.00 of their winnings.
The first round of the tournament consisted of 68 teams. Members who participated were assigned a team that was drawn out of a hat on their behalf. The first-place prize of $75.00 went to Naomi Lynn who had Baylor. Because there were so many teams in the first round, a second-place prize of $40.00 went to Loretta Meeks who had Gonzaga.
The second round consisted of 16 teams. In order to get a broader participation, the pool for the second round consisted of doubling the 16 teams for a total of 32 possibilities. The two first-place prizes of $50.00 each went to Jim Applegate and David Fowler.
The third round consisted of four teams. Four club members each formed a team of club members to raise the $100.00 entry fee for this round. The entry fees totaled $400.00 and were split 50/50. Vicki Megginson’s team won this round.
One final note. The $896.00 that will be donated to PolioPlus will be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on a two for one basis, resulting in $2,688.00 being used to help eradicate polio!
Thanks to all who helped make this fundraiser a success!