Northern Michigan University’s Rotaract Club will hosted a bake sale on Oct. 23, to raise funds for the eradication of polio. This event was held in advance of End Polio Day, a global initiative by Rotary International to combat this debilitating disease. The NMU Rotaract Club is a service organization that brings together students from Northern Michigan University to develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and promote international understanding and peace. The club is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs worldwide. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis and death. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there are still hundreds of thousands of children worldwide who remain at risk of contracting the virus. The focus of the funds raised from the bake sale is the campaign to end polio among children in Gaza, where the threat of polio has reemerged. Polio had been nearly eradicated in the region, but the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises have led to a resurgence of the disease. Importantly, every dollar donated covers the cost of vaccinating one child. The bake sale, featuring an array of sweet and savory treats, will be held starting at 10 a.m. until sold out at the Jamrich Hall Ticket office window (across from Starbucks). All baked goods will be priced at $1 and $2, and every dollar spent or donated will benefit NMU Rotaract and the PolioPlus program, Rotary International’s global initiative to eradicate polio. “We are excited to host this bake sale and contribute to the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio,” said Cassidy Gibson, the club’s president “By coming together as students, faculty, staff, and community, we can make a real difference in the lives of children around the world -- Our small actions can have a big impact.” Faculty advisor Don Ludemann adds that “NMU’s Rotaract students are highly motivated to step up as leaders on campus, in the community, and as citizens of the world. Their vision reflects that of Rotary International which fosters global understanding, community service, and ethical leadership.”