NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The North Platte Noon Rotary Club is gearing up for its second annual Pints for Polio event, taking place Wednesday, October 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ape Ship Brewery and Double Dips Ice Creamery.
The fundraiser is a creative twist on a classic cause. Attendees receive a commemorative pint glass for a $20 donation, which can be filled with either a favorite beverage from Ape Ship Brewery or a scoop of ice cream from Double Dips. Additional tickets can be purchased for those who want more drinks or treats.
“This is a play on words,” said Mike Honerman, chair of the Noon North Platte Rotary. “One of the main functions of Rotary is to help eradicate polio worldwide, and this is just one of the ways we raise money for that mission. We wanted to make it fun and family-friendly.”
The event idea was inspired by similar fundraisers hosted by other Rotary clubs nationwide. Honerman and fellow Rotarian Pat Jacobson attended a Pints for Polio event in Broken Bow and decided North Platte should have one too.
Last year, the North Platte event raised roughly $3,000. With the Gates Foundation matching donations two to one, that equated to nearly $10,000 in support of global polio eradication.
Rotary International has been at the forefront of the fight against polio for decades. While the disease is virtually eliminated in the United States, it still exists in a handful of countries. Honerman stressed the importance of maintaining awareness and support: “Out of sight, out of mind is our biggest problem. Just one country could reignite the spread if we stop supporting eradication efforts.”
In addition to raising funds, the event offers locals a chance to learn more about Rotary and how they can get involved. Membership is by invitation, but the organization welcomes those interested in joining to attend meetings, participate in projects, and connect with community members.
“Rotary is more than just a lunch club,” Onnerman said. “It’s an international group working on projects to make a difference. You can get involved as much or as little as you want, and there’s a huge benefit in the relationships you build and the impact you make.”
This year, organizers hope attendees walk away not only with a pint of beer or a scoop of ice cream but also with a deeper understanding of polio and the ongoing effort to eradicate it. “Somebody once said we’re 99% there,” Onnerman said. “With events like this, we can push that even closer.”
The North Platte Noon Rotary Club would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Liz and Joel Bennett of Ape Ship Brewery and Lori Bergman of Double Dips Ice Creamery for hosting this year’s event. Their support helps make Pints for Polio a fun, family-friendly fundraiser while giving back to a global cause. Rotary members will be behind the bars pouring beer, rinsing glasses, and scooping ice cream, and none of it would be possible without their generosity and hospitality.
For more information about Pints for Polio or to make a donation, contact Mike Onnerman, Kirsten Parker, or Noah Harvey, or reach out to any North Platte Rotary Club member.
Eradicating polio—one pint at a time.