Rotary District 7475 joined regional leaders at the 39th Annual Strike-Out Hunger & Polio Dinner in Cherry Hill. District Governor-Elect Kalpana Patel, members of the Robbinsville-Hamilton Rotary Club, and Public Image Chair Anna D. Banks represented the district. Keynote speaker Mike McGovern highlighted Rotary’s global polio eradication work, while Ed Wade spoke about community service. The evening featured fundraising, recognition, fellowship, music, and a renewed commitment to service and lasting impact.
Rotary District 7475 Joins Regional Leaders for 39th Annual Strike-Out Hunger & Polio Dinner
By Anna D. Banks
Public Image Chair, Rotary District 7475
There are Rotary events that remind us why service matters.
The 39th Annual Strike-Out Hunger & Polio Dinner, held August 5 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cherry Hill, was one of those occasions. Rotarians from across New Jersey and neighboring districts came together to celebrate nearly four decades of humanitarian service while raising support for hunger relief and Rotary International's global effort to eradicate polio.
Rotary District 7475 was proudly represented by District Governor-Elect Kalpana Patel, members of the Robbinsville-Hamilton Rotary Club, and Anna D. Banks, Chair of the District 7475 Public Image Committee.
Hosted by the Garden State Rotary Club, the annual event combined fellowship, fundraising, and inspiration with a powerful reminder that Rotary's work continues to transform lives around the world.
The evening's keynote address was delivered by Mike McGovern, Chair of Rotary International's PolioPlus Committee.
Rotary International President Olayinka "Yinka" Hakeem Babalola was unable to attend following an unexpected delay connected to newly issued travel documents. In his absence, McGovern delivered the keynote address.
Drawing from a recent humanitarian visit to Pakistan, McGovern shared the story of meeting a young child affected by polio in a community lacking clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper nutrition. His message reinforced that Rotary's fight against polio is about far more than vaccines. It is about building healthier communities through access to clean water, healthcare, nutrition, rehabilitation services, and strong local partnerships.
The program also featured remarks from Ed Wade, former Philadelphia Phillies executive and Phillies Wall of Fame member. Wade reflected on the Phillies' longstanding commitment to community service and the organization's partnership with Strike-Out Hunger, emphasizing that giving back is not simply part of the game—it is part of the community's identity.
Throughout the evening, guests participated in a silent auction, raffles, door prizes, and other fundraising activities supporting hunger-relief initiatives and Rotary's PolioPlus campaign. The program also recognized individuals whose service exemplifies Rotary's values of compassion, leadership, and Service Above Self.
As the evening concluded with fellowship, music, and dancing, attendees left with a renewed commitment to continue Rotary's mission of creating lasting impact in their communities and around the world.
For 39 years, the Strike-Out Hunger & Polio Dinner has demonstrated what is possible when Rotary clubs, community leaders, businesses, and volunteers unite behind a shared purpose.
For District 7475, the evening served as another reminder that every Rotary story—whether told through service projects, partnerships, or humanitarian efforts—helps inspire others to serve and strengthens Rotary's impact throughout New Jersey and beyond.
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