World Polio Day 2025: Rotary in Action – Evanston

Join the Rotary Club of Evanston, Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse, and Northwestern Rotaract Clubs for a special World Polio Day event hosted at Rotary International Headquarters in Evanston.

Schedule of Events:

4:00–6:00 PM – Opening Reception: A Legacy in Miniature: Rotary’s Fight to End Polio

Where: Rotary International lobby: 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

Cost: Free

A Legacy in Miniature: Rotary’s Fight to End Polio (Hosted by Rotary International)

Enjoy an art-gallery-style opening at Rotary International headquarters featuring the work of artists who re-create in miniature powerful moments from this historical global effort. These intricate items represent the courage, collaboration, and innovation behind the world’s most significant public health initiatives.

Refreshments:

Complimentary light refreshments, including Evanston-based Sketchbook Brewery’s Purple Pinkie limited-release beer, will be served. This beer was created to recognize the immunization campaigns where healthcare workers mark a child’s pinkie with a purple marker to signify they have received the polio vaccine.

Free “Purple Pinkie” Nail Polish Gift:

While supplies last, take home a “purple pinkie” nail polish gift and help spread the word to end polio.

Rotary in Action:

Explore the Rotary in Action exhibit to learn how Rotary members address needs and create lasting change in their communities and worldwide.

6:00–7:00 PM – World Polio Day Program

Where: Rotary International, 3rd Floor, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

Cost: Free, registration required to attend. Check-in for this event starts at 5:30 PM on the third floor.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Evanston, Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse, and Northwestern Rotaract Club, this inspiring program will include:

• World Polio Day Proclamation – Presented by the City of Evanston

• Current State of Polio Eradication – Carol Pandak, Director of PolioPlus at Rotary International

• Rotary’s Global Impact – Nikola Bozic, Rotary End Polio Now Coordinator

• Ride to End Polio Team Send-Off
  

4:00–8:00 PM - 2025 Purple Pinkie Release Party

Where: Sketchbook Brewing Evanston Taproom, 821 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202

Cost: Free; get event details here.

Join the Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club at Sketchbook Brewing Co.’s Evanston Taproom for the official release of the 2025 edition of Purple Pinkie, a beer that supports Rotary’s effort to help eradicate polio.

Purple Pinkie was brewed by Sketchbook in collaboration with the Evanston Nouveau Rotary Club. This beer pays homage to Afghanistan and Pakistan, the last two countries where the polio virus is endemic.

Your support contributes to the eradication of this disease:

$1 from every draft pint sold during the event will go toward the fight to end polio.

Can't make it? Stop by Sketchbook’s Evanston or Skokie locations to pick up a 4-pack of Purple Pinkie while supplies last. $1 from every 4-pack goes toward the cause.

Together, we honor Rotary’s role in the fight against polio, reflect on global progress, and reaffirm our commitment to a polio-free world.

Info: Enjoy an art-gallery-style opening at Rotary International headquarters featuring the work of artists who re-create in miniature powerful moments from this historical global effort. These intricate items represent the courage, collaboration, and innovation behind the world’s most significant public health initiatives.

Info: Hosted by the Rotary Club of Evanston, Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse, and Northwestern Rotaract Club, this inspiring program will include:

World Polio Day Proclamation – Presented by the City of Evanston

Current State of Polio Eradication – Carol Pandak, Director of PolioPlus at Rotary International

Rotary’s Global Impact – Nikola Bozic, Rotary End Polio Now Coordinator

Ride to End Polio Team Send-Off

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