Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to k MET fourteen ninety am ABC News Radio
in the Southern California Business Report with Evett Walker, a
show dedicated to highlighting successful Southern California businesses and the
people behind them.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome and thank you for joining Southern California Business Report
on ABC News and Talks k MET fourteen ninety AM,
ninety eight point one FM and k m E t TV.
I'm Vettwalker, live blasting our signal from the center of
Southern California, serving a population of over twenty five million.
Get us crystal clear and on demand by downloading the
(00:40):
free live streaming app on Google Play and the Apple
App Store. As always, a tremendous shout out to the
team Mitch, Bill and Sean I love you guys, and
to our special advisory committee that can be found at
www dot scbr talk dot com forward Slash Advisory Committee.
Click on the link and learn about the remarkable leaders
(01:03):
doing the work. Of course, as I speak of leaders,
I am absolutely thrilled and proud to introduce Wade Nomura,
who is involved in both local and international humanitarian causes,
having worked on more than two hundred charitable projects benefiting
over two million people. Including an NID to India, where
(01:26):
he has a special passion having had polio as a child.
He is a charter member of the Rotary Club of
Carpentaria Mourning and served as District Governor in twenty eleven
to twenty twelve. He is the Multi District Pets Alliance
Executive Director, a Rotary Rose Parade Float Director and past
two times chair, and a Rotary International President's Representative thirteen times,
(01:52):
including this year. Wade is the Region's Coordinator for the
Rotary Foundation COG of Technical Support globally and served on
the Long Term Planning Committee for the Rotary Foundation. Wade
also served as the Technical Coordinator of CADRES and the
Regional Organization North America of CADRES globally. He is the
(02:13):
Water Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Groups Operations Chair and
Project Support Committee Chair for Handwash in Haiti. Wade has
received Rotary International's Highest Individual Award, the Service Above Self Award,
and Rotary Foundation's Meritorious Service Award and their highest Individual
(02:34):
Award and the Distinguished Service Award. Wade is the former
two time mayor and current City Council member for the
City of Carpenteria and holds the record for the most
votes and an election. He and his wife Debbie produced
and hosted the TV shows Rotary Serving Our Community and
the award winning Carpenteria Living TV show. Wade was a
(02:57):
multiple BMX and national champion, World Champion, Hall of Famer,
and designer of Nomura Racing Bike, an icon among the
avid BMX collectors. Recently, Wade co authored his biography, Creating
Destiny with his wife, Debbie Nomura, who is also a Rotarian.
Oh my goodness, Wade, what a background. Thank you so
(03:21):
much for being with us today.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
My pleasure. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Well, you know, as we've worked together, I have the
pleasure of serving alongside you on the Rotary Rose Parade
float committee. But as I read your bio and I
saw your history and your connection to Rotary through your
experience in overcoming bio, that just struck me as the
(03:46):
most remarkable why I've ever read. Right, So, as rotarians
talk about the why that rotarians share when expressing the
reasons that they are brought into the fold, well.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
For me it was a pretty special. My wife, late
wife Roxanne, talked to me into joining Rotary. I had
no idea what your organization was all about. Once I
got into it, though, I found out that there was
a lot to do with serving serving others in the community.
And what I really found interesting, which I had never
done before, was doing international projects. Up until the time
(04:22):
I joined RODI, I had never been on an airplane
out of the country and the first time I got
to go was because of a rotary project, a water
project in Mexico. From that time, one of the other
projects that intrigued me was the polio campaign that Rodri
is involved with, and I went to India in twenty
ten to do a Polio NID National Organization Day project
(04:45):
there and I found that quite fascinating. One of the
reasons why was because, yes, as a child that was
afflicted by polio.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So talk about your personal polio journey and what you
remember as you overcame this disease.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Well, unfortunately, unfortunately, I was young enough to where I
didn't know what was going on. I had no idea
what polio was. I was a four year old at
the time. All I remembers my mother said that she
believed I had flu a high temperature, so she called
the doctor. The doctor back then, back in the day,
actually came to the house. So we came to the
(05:22):
house to a look at me and said we have
to hospitalize the way. We believe he may have polio.
So that's how I ended up going to the hospital
spent I believe it was about seven days there being
monitored constantly. Fortunately, once I was done with it and
broke the fever, they found I had no residual effects
from polio, so I was very fortunate. Again, that was
(05:45):
when I was four years old. Having that in the background,
when I found out Brewery was involved with polio campaign,
it seemed more of a coincidence, more fortuitous, I would say,
than anything else. So that's why I figured I do
have to do my part. I was spared the disease,
so I figured I'd have to help others with the
(06:06):
same certainly.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
So can you go a little in depth about Roderi's
mission and their relationship to polio and their efforts to
eradicate it.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Yeah, yeah, happy to Polio was prevalent here in the
United States for a while. It was until it wasn't
until nineteen seventies, late nineteen seventies that you know, we
were clear from polio. But Rory got involved by doing
a grant, a huge grant, and this was done in
the Philippines. The plan was to actually take the same
plan that we used here in the United States and
(06:40):
move that into the Philippines to see if we could
imunize all the children and eradicate polio from the country
of the Philippines, which we were successful in doing. Once
that occurred, Rdory said, well, you know what we did
one country, he had one hundred percent effectedness. Let's take
it around the world. Let's go ahead and jump on
a campaign at kate polio from around the world. So
(07:03):
that was what was done. The Gates Foundation jumped on
board and said, you know what, we will help you out.
We realize this is a global effort, so he is
willing to put in quite a bit of money, match
our funds two to one as far as what we
did with the foundation. So because of that we got
pretty close. At one point in time, we're literally almost there. Again,
(07:25):
the least number of cases that we had globally was twelve,
and that was only in three countries that was instill endemic,
and from that it dropped to two because we were
able to complete Indian twenty ten got it and so
Afghanistan and Pakistan in the last two countries.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
That is amazing. So as it stands today, basically all
but two countries in the world have eradicated polio through
the combined efforts of rotarians around the world, such as yourself,
to administer and deliver this polio vaccine.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
That is correct. That World Health Organization helped us tremendously,
but it was a joint effort, but it was led
by Rotary and Rotary's efforts.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
That is remarkable. So what do you think it would
take to get those two other countries on board to
eradicate polio? Do you think we would need some type
of a truce or what do you think we would
need to bring those two countries to allow rotarians access
to children so they don't have to experience voluo.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
That is without a doubt. At one time they were
the lowest number, India was the highest, and so based
on the annual numbers, it seemed logical and easy that
we can go into Afghanistan and backstand, which are much
smaller countries to do this effort. The unfortunate part was
with the civil unrest and because of politics things like
that that could involved. Now that they're warring factions. It's
(08:54):
unsafe for us to actually get in there to do
the work. One thing people don't realize is that the
poliovirus actually could last and live outside of the human
body for as much as forty eight hours in water
itself and still be viable as a virus. And so
that is one of the reasons why it's important that
we immunize every child only because that poliovirus would still
(09:17):
spread even in the water source. It wouldn't be humans
body to body contact. It could actually occur with somebody
stepping into water that has the virus there at the time.
So for us to get into those countries, we would
need a clean or clear area, and that is a
challenge at this point in time. The countries that have
(09:38):
to try and be either hold the truce, which as
you know, working with politics oftentimes is near impossible, if
not impossible, But that will be the literally only way
we could effectively get rid of polio those two countries
is to immunize every child.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
So tell us Wade, what is the mode of vaccination
for the folio vaccine as rotarians distribute it today.
Speaker 3 (10:04):
We used when I was in Indian twenty ten the
too drop vaccine. That was the best. We literally just
have a little vials, plastic vials and we dropped two
drops into the mouth of each child. That way, you know,
we don't have to worry about the injections as previously
and as some countries still do. The two drops proved
(10:24):
to be effective because that was the mode that we
used for India.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
So WA India was a huge project, and you know,
going over the details and the logistics, please talk about
the India projects so we can celebrate the number of
lives that you were able to prevent from development.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Great, great question, Thank you.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Matt.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I had the opportunity in twenty ten to go to
India on one of these National Umanization days in NID.
I flew into India was told that I would be
leading a team of five of the twenty five of
that were volunteering from the United States. That team of five,
then we were assigned to the city of Rampoor. When
I found out where I was going, and this is
(11:09):
prior to leaving here in California, I looked up Rampoor
and just to see where we're going, and it says
definitely not a tourist destination. Spot, don't stand hotels, don't
drink the water, don't eat the food. So I looked
at that and go, well, you know, we signed up
for this tool, and I'm going anyways, when I got
to India, we were in Delhi and the Director of
(11:31):
health goes, who is the one that was assigned to
go to Rampur. So I raised my hand. He goes,
your team has been reassigned. You were going to the
city of Murdabad. So I go, well, that's great. Lucky me.
I dodged another bullet. And as I was thinking to
myself how lucky I was, I got a tap on
my shoulder. Lady behind me reaches forward and talks to
(11:53):
me in my ears. She goes, I was in Raudabad
last year. I go, oh, great, how was it? She goes,
we went through the slums and literally as we went
through the slums, we had the people from the second
and third floors of these apartments actually dumping sewer on
us because he did not want us in that area.
They felt that what we were doing. Literally, the I
(12:13):
would say, the rumor had it that we were sterilizing
children of India. It was not a vaccine for folio.
It was actually actually trying to sterilize the children where
they couldn't have offspring. So that was what happened when
he went. And my thinking was, well, guess what, I've
got a jacket, I've signed up, I'm already here. I'm going.
(12:34):
These jackets are supposed to be waterproof and they come
with a hood. So if that happens, so be it.
We moved forward. So he took our team there. The
fascinating thing was when we got there, it was just
the opposite. We were treated like rock stars. I go, wow,
what happened? And the director says, well, the biggest change
was is that because we have all factions, all of
(12:56):
the Islamic faith, people came together under one gentleman was
the Embump and told those people you have to let
us in. You have to make a change. What you
heard was all propaganda. These people are here to save
our children. So he says, you have to open your door.
These people have come here on their own money to
make sure that our children are safe from the poliovirus.
(13:17):
They will no longer perish, they would no longer end
up being crippled, but they would be able to live
a healthy, normal life. And so when we went through
all of these different ghettos of slums. We were literally saying,
too cheered everything you could think of. It was everything
in a slum that would be of a ticket parade.
(13:38):
So it was amazing and that change all happened because
of the Islamic faith leadership making that big change. And
these are the partners that we never see, we don't
hear about, but that is why we were able to
be effective in the city of Moranabad.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
So in addition to walking through the slums of India
and being in a very vulnerable place, talk about some
of the active cases you were able to observe during
the time that you were there. Paint the picture right
because polio is such a removed illness for the most
part from America, but to witness what polio can do,
(14:17):
and especially into those socioeconomic circumstances, paint a picture of
what the treatments.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
And happy to do that. One of the fortunate events
that occurred was I got to meet the National Director
of Help for India. He came to the city of
Maraudabad only because you lived close by nearby, and he
came looking for me specific I go, why are you
looking for me? You know what's up with this? And
(14:44):
he said, you know. He goes, we heard you are
a governor coming into Rotary. We know that you're here
on your own money. You're leading a team being one
of the incoming governors. But he goes, we also understand
you are a polio survivor. I said, yes, that is
the case. He goes, well, you kind of became a
celebrity star just because of your conditions, where you're coming
(15:06):
from and what you're doing. We would like to have
a TV crew follow you throughout the city of Mourdabad.
In doing so, we want to use this footage for
promotion of the program itself. I says, We're happy to
do that. One of the first places we went to
was a home again in the lower income area Sloan basically,
(15:27):
and he knocked on the door and a woman came
to the door carrying a child, a young boy, probably
about two or three years old, and I go, well,
why are we here? Are we going to immunize this child?
He goes, no, it's too late for this child. He
is our last case of polio that we had in
the city. Unfortunately, both of his legs are whither. He
will never walk, he's going to be a crawler. His
(15:48):
legs did not work. And so the women with a
tear in her eye actually told us, she said, welcome,
thank you very much for being here. Thank you for
making a difference, because I wouldn't want any other child
to suffer like my son's going to have to suffer
for the rest of his life. That was motivation and
health to get the job done. And so we went
(16:10):
through and we were joined by thirty three hundred volunteers,
so three thousand, three hundred volunteers from the city of Muradabad.
Actually most of them weren't rotarians, actually came in to
help us out and assist. And we were in Muradabad
for five and a half day, six days, and in
that time, the thirty three hundred plus the five of us,
(16:31):
so thirty three hundred and five. Basically we're able to
immunize every child in the city of Muradabad. What that
number was was nine hundred and sixteen thousand children under
the age of six, and we did that in six days.
And that was thanks one hundred percent or ninety nine
point nine percent because of the local volunteers that we
(16:52):
had helping us out. We were fumbling fingers. I had
a team right there that was next to us. I go,
how'd you guys do it? And go, well, we just
did five hundred today. I go, you did five hundred today,
access We're like if you did twenty because we're fumble
fingers were walking around. Of course, we had the media
following this also and they wanted to shoot all the
pictures of all of us putting in those vaccines. But
(17:15):
it was an amazing trip.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Well, that is absolutely remarkable. Let's talk about the logistics
that go into place, especially being in a foreign country
not speaking the language. How do you mobilize over three
thousand volunteers to distribute nearly a million vaccines.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
The main effort occurred because of the National Director of
Health of India, who was also a rotarian. He was
one of the higher ranking rotarians in the area. He
ended up living close to Moradabad and his mission was
to make sure that we had one hundred percent coverage
for one full year of the entire population of India.
(17:57):
So he made these efforts throughout all of the largest cities,
all the way down to the smallest cities were being
done on a day to day basis by a team
of volunteers that he had organized and done. I would
tell you one fascinating part of that team, I would
say was on one of the days, I think it
was the second or third day we were there, I
(18:18):
was invited to go to the briefing. They said, none
of the volunteers get to come. We only have the
eleven leaders of the different regions areas. They come in
and they give us their daily report on how many
children are immunized by their teams. So when I went in,
the first person comes up, goes, such and such stand up.
So the gentleman stands up, he goes out. They congratulates you.
(18:41):
He goes, you did almost five thousand children today one day.
He goes up to the next one, then does the
same thing, says, you know you're right there, just only
a few hundred behind him. Congratulations to you. He goes,
I've got a team here that had one one hundred.
I like you to stand up. And the gentleman's stood up,
which was right close to us, and he goes, I'd
(19:03):
like to tell you this. I congratulate them, but for you,
he goes, you are a disgrace. You are a disgrace
to this effort. He goes, if you cannot get that
number up by tomorrow, you have not only disgraced our efforts,
but you are disgracing yourself and your family. You will
be removed from that position. We will have you replaced
tomorrow if that number does not exceed two thousand. Do
(19:24):
you understand me? And the generals, yes, they do understand.
The next day he came back with thirty six hundred
vaccinated children. So that again is the accountability of these
quote volunteers. They're volunteering, but even though they're volunteering and
doing it for free, they risk pride, priate family, pie
her self. So that's how they did it. They're definitely driven.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
It sounds that way. You know, we grew up with
our word is our bond, right, and we take a
lot of people, take a lot of pride in their
honor and really showing up to represent great efforts such
as this. Let's talk about what you experienced once this
(20:12):
was all completed. I mean looking back and seeing that
you were able to deliver over a million vaccines. Have
you visited? Have you heard of what the polio numbers
are today? What is the update and what keeps you
going when you think about that project. I mean, it's
(20:32):
just it's overwhelming to think that on one visit you're
able to make such an incredible impact.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
That push was a huge push, again in conjunction with Rotary,
with the World Health Organization and with the government of India.
That was the same trip that we went to where
the last actual polio case occurred. So in twenty eleven
twenty twelve, because of the one year that they had
(21:01):
to have clearance, India was declared polio free. So you
talk about an effort that in itself is huge. Knowing
that the unfortunate part is as we talk about the
endemic countries, those are the two Afghanistan and Pakistan. The
unfortunate part is that those countries that were considered polio
free are now getting infected also because of the transportation
(21:24):
of people. People transporting that virus at disease. We see
it in as far as areas in Africa currently, So
until we are able to eradicate it from one area,
that's going to continue, I would say, the export of
the virus itself. So we do have to make a
pretty positive effort to make sure that this happens. It
(21:45):
occurs sooner than later.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Do you first see a follow up visit to India
to revisit some of these places and vaccinate those that
maybe haven't received the vaccine but are also at risk
of transmitting it.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Most of that is being left current to the government.
The government itself has a good handle on it. So
for us to send a team into India as an example,
there's probably not enough cases to warrant our efforts in
going in there. Now. Remember, they treat us, they take
care of us, so that makes it a little difficult
for them financially. Also, what we are focusing on are
those specific areas where we are seeing some of it now,
(22:23):
the Eastern Block European countries that are feeding having issues too.
Again in those areas, we are also seeing a surge, upsurge,
uptick of polio virus. So again those all happen. Unfortunately,
wartime brings out the worst. It makes living conditions where
you know, it's almost non sustainable, and because of that,
(22:45):
many different viruses start popping up again. From that specific reason,
that's why it's important if we could eradicate polio every
last case, it's going to be you know, one of
those one of the last ones in spat smallpox, that
we literally eliminated a disease.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
From the world, absolutely, and that will be thrilling to celebrate.
I know as of late, the Rotary motel has been
we're this close aravitating polio. And so when people say
that they're this close, what are they referring.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
To, Wade, They are literally referring to that we are
extremely close. People don't realize it and if you ask
most people I live in the United States, they have
no idea Polo's even around the world because we've had
it gone for so many decades. The unfortunate part is
that we are going to fight that disease to the area.
And when I say that, when we as Rotarian say
(23:41):
we are this close, we are talking about that. But
the hardest part that we face is to keep the
motivation there because we've been fighting it for so long,
millions of dollars going to this effort each and every year,
and if we were to quit now, you would only
surge back to where it was before. So that's what
we have to can be evilling forward. If you ask
(24:02):
Rotary if in fact it's something that they want to
continue doing and what is the next one, they will
tell you that we have no second vision other than
to finish Polio first. Once Polio's then we can move
into another one. Otherwise you get diverted into another cause.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
Absolutely, Wade, so with God said, we are going to
head on a break. Everyone who's listening. Evett Walker with
ABC News and Talks Southern California Business Report Here today
with Wade no Mura, who emerges as a beacon of hope.
As a respected rotary leader, he embodies the spirit of service,
earning accolades like the prestigious Service Above Self Award. Focusing
(24:40):
on overcoming the challenges of polio as a child, ignited
a fierce dedication to humanitarian service, manifesting in his staggering
contributions to over two hundred charitable projects that have uplifted
more than two million lives across the globe. When we return.
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Speaker 2 (28:16):
Welcome back everyone. Evett Walker with ABC News and Talks
Southern California Business Report Here today with Wade no Mura,
who emerges as a beacon of hope. As a respected
leader in Rotary, he embodies the spirit of service, earning
accolades like the Prestigious Service Above Self Award. Focusing on
overcoming the challenges of polio as a child, ignited a
(28:38):
fierce dedication to humanitarian service, manifesting in his staggering contributions
to over two hundred charitable projects that have uplifted more
than two million lives across the globe. Thank you again
for being with us today.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Wade, my pleasure. Thank you, Matt, thanks for your invitation,
you got it.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
So prior to the break, we got to talk about
Roderi's mission to eradicate polio, your tremendous effort in India
to vaccinate nearly one million children to protect them from
the awful disease of having to go through polio, which
(29:19):
to date, as you mentioned, has been eradicated in that
area of India. So bravo, congratulations and thank you for
being such a wonderful light in this world and doing
what you can to make other people's lives better in
those efforts. Just share with me, Wade, what was the
(29:41):
most captivating experience, the experience that resonates with you the
most from that visit to India.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
I would say the magnitude of those people working with RTORY.
We oftentimes talk about RORY being one point two to
one point four million people, but what we don't realize
is that number probably is ten times that because of
the volunteer help that we get in these different communities.
India is a prime example of that. What's evolved since
that time. As of last year, India became the number
(30:15):
one country for global grant recipients, which is amazing. Over
four hundred global grants were done in India itself. Number
two in the world was Guatemala at eighty. So that
shows you the step in progress us I believe is
that between forty and fifty. So I think that that
part of it, working as this team gave India an
(30:35):
understanding of what Rotary actually can do in coordinated efforts
globally by focusing in on specific countries. So that's why
it might be and the big change has occurred. India
now is the fastest growing country and membership of rotary
in the world.
Speaker 2 (30:52):
That is exciting and that's thrilling, and I can only
imagine how inspiring that show of combined care for their
country must have done for them. And realizing that because
of Rotary and these efforts and your efforts, polio is
eradicated in India.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
Very true, very true. And it was quite a privilege
to be able to work and fortunately get to see
from the top down. Instead of just seeing the people
on the ground working, I got to see what was
behind the curtain literally on what was happening there with
the efforts and how the government got involved. That was huge.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
That is exciting, and it's inspiring and a testament to
the power of rotarians around the world when they have
a vision, when they have something in their heart to
give to the world, to their community, both locally and abroad.
No mission is too big or too small.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
True, very true.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
So let's shift gears and talk about your Rotary rose
Parate float director do now, because I mean, how does
that compare to vaccinating children. I mean, I guess one
you have to travel, the other you have to coordinate
the whole team to make sure this float looks perfect.
Let's talk about that.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
Well, very Fortunately, we have a great team. The committee
is outstanding. Rody Rose Pary Float Committee. We have a
bunch a lot of dedicated Rotarians in an effort to
put forward a float in the Rose Parade each and
every year that's seen by over twenty seven million people.
So my involvement in this one is different in the
(32:27):
fact that rather than doing actual hands on service project
like I usually do on a day to day basis
for Rodary, I get the opportunity now to share what
we are doing to the world, to the global world.
I think that's probably what keeps me motivated with doing
the Roads Parade, getting the opportunity to show the public
(32:47):
in showcase what Rotary actually does. As an example, the
very first float that I shared was a train. It
was a candy train basically, it's what it was, and
we've decided that year to actually put a Polio theme
to it. So what I did was actually recruited not
only the International President a route in that float, he
was the engineer, but I had three special guest people
(33:10):
writing in the back of that float. I had Jonathan
and Peter Sulk and Debbie Saban, the ones that created
the two different polio vaccines. Actually they're children of but
they're still involved with it as doctors. So by bringing
that out there and using those three quote celebrities that
the world the globe has heard about, that brought a
(33:31):
good recognition for what we're doing. We were doing for
polio through the efforts of Rotary. So that was my
first window of opportunity be able to share some of
the message that we wanted to have. Each and every
year we try and come up with a theme afloat
and an idea and image where we would then be
able to highlight showcase what Rotary is doing, some of
(33:53):
our efforts, some of our focuses. Since twenty twelve, we've
had every Rotary International President but two one was because
of COVID and the other one was due to help
actually right on the float itself. So this year we
expect the same. We will have the international president writing
is one of the representatives of ROADI International.
Speaker 2 (34:15):
That is remarkable. So are there other events that Rotary
is involved in where they get the attention of twenty
seven million people around the world? Or is the Rose
Parade that's hosted in Pasadena, California pretty much the only
spot that can happen.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
I wouldn't sist the only spot, but it definitely is
the biggest. We have that twenty seven twenty eight million
viewers watching it on TV. We have also three quarters
of a million people watching it along the parade route.
As you know, you got the experience with me in
the last few years taking pictures and footage of some
of the other floats in that parade. So if you
(34:53):
look at that, there's no greater, no larger public image
effort than that one specific event that time. And Rody
is aware of that, and so that's why we have
partnered in even stronger this year, making it even better.
Speaker 2 (35:06):
That is so exciting. So let's talk about what it
takes to plan, design, commit to creating this beautiful float
that we will all see come down Colorado Boulevard day
after New Year's.
Speaker 3 (35:26):
Well, it starts, believe it or not, only January, second
day after for eight starts. We already have to start
putting in plans. We do a review of what happened
during the year, things we could do better, things that
worked out well, and we create that. Our meeting is
usually the second week of January for the start of
the next year's float or that current year's float, and
(35:49):
in doing this part of it, we stay ahead of
the curve. We're able to keep in process of what
is working, what's going on. We have to design the
float itself, come up with the ideas for it, coporate
theme marketing, which the team marketing and branding team, a
subcommittee is the one that I shair on that one,
and so we are literally working at what went well,
(36:11):
what we could do better for the weak spots, where
where we could leverage those efforts that we have. The
float itself costs over two hundred thousand dollars, so you
could imagine the fundraising that we have on that one.
It's huge, and this is all done mostly by private contributions.
There are a handful of sponsors we have, but the
walkers and writers are all part of that effort. For
(36:34):
them to walk a ride, they are sponsored, self sponsored,
so they have to pay for their positions in that float.
This year. This last year we had eight international people.
We are expecting to anticipating on having more. Prior to
that one, the first float that went down was sponsored
by the Pasadena Rotary Club. Since that time, I believe
(36:57):
it was after that shortly this committee took over, so
we've been coming around for quite a while. This new
effort literally covers almost all the Southern California rotarians. You included,
by the way, so thank you.
Speaker 2 (37:10):
Yes, well, it's my absolute honor. You know, Rotary of
course and the Pasadena Rose Prayed both iconic organizations and events,
and it's my absolute honor to cover that. So let's
discuss the people that are riding on the float and
walking alongside it. Who are these rotarians and where from
(37:35):
around the world do they typically join us?
Speaker 3 (37:37):
From the regulars are the international president and spouse. They
are actually funded by Rotary International. They help us out
that way. We also then have the sponsoring districts. Each
sponsoring district, the five of them in Southern gal also
contribute and that contribution goes directly to a walk of position.
(38:00):
So this year we hope to have eight riders sixteen
walkers on the parade route itself. And again this is
a big push for our fundraising effort. We are this
year trying to get two hundred and fifty thousand dollars
due to a shortfall we have last year. So for
those of you that are watching, we could sure use
your help and We look forward to seeing out there,
including the help us decorate it and enjoy the float
(38:22):
watching it on TV.
Speaker 2 (38:24):
You got it, Wade, tell us what are the different
ways that we can do to help, either by volunteering, supporting, building, contributing.
What are the different ways that communities, either rotarians or
non rotarians can join in the effort to join the
excitement of this float.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
We tried to make it as open as possible so
every level was kind of recognized. You can go to
our website it's rotaryfloat dot org and if you go there,
you can go to a donation page and tells you
all the different ways we have everything from purchasing a
roads for twenty five dollars that actually goes onto the
float itself in your name. We have then the ambassador
(39:07):
positions where you could come in there, sign up as
an ambassador and actually have your not only represent the
float itself, but also have the opportunity for a drawing.
We pull one name of one of the ambassadors each
year it gets to ride on the float, so that
is another big opportunity. We then have the walkers and
(39:28):
rider positions. Those are open to anybody. We are hoping
to get more international people this year. Then we also
have the decorating part. It happens usually in December, so
in December we open up some spots. Sign up is
the first Saturday, I believe of September, and from there
you have the opportunity to actually decorate the float itself.
(39:50):
So we are looking for hands on and not really volunteers.
You pay I think it's twenty five dollars to help
us out decorate that float. With that, you get a shirt,
you get recognition, and we look forward to having as
many rotarians, family of rotarians, friends of rotarians involved because
it does take a long time to decorate that float
(40:11):
and a lot of times.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
And those floats, the designs are just beautiful. The intricacy
and the flowers and the lushness of the different materials
that you use are just stunning. Way to share with
us what the theme of this upcoming Rotary Rose Parade
float is going to be?
Speaker 3 (40:32):
Okay, well, definitely do that. This year's tournament theme is
the magic of teamwork. So the magic I'm sorry, magic
and teamwork that is going to be the theme for
the parade itself. This year, Rotary came up with the
name we named the float the same as our international
theme this year, United for Good, and so with that
we plan on showing that off. When we say United
(40:55):
for Good, we want to show a picture of our
global efforts because many people say rotary as in their
communities if they're present or if you hear a sea
of them, but not realizing that we are literally in
every region of the world you could think of, and
that teamwork in itself becomes the United for Good.
Speaker 2 (41:17):
That is so exciting. Okay, Wait, so for those that
are listening and they want to hear again the different
ways they can sponsor if they don't have time to
go volunteer and enjoy the fragrant flowers as they're being
applied on the design, what are some of the different
ways that people can contribute and where they need to
go to do so.
Speaker 3 (41:36):
Again, that's my easiest way is to go to our
website Rotaryfloat dot org.
Speaker 2 (41:42):
Excellent. And so why is it important again for the
Rotary Rose Parade to float to represent rotary and rotarians
across the world.
Speaker 3 (41:58):
Again, this is our large platform. We have the most
viewership anywhere through this event itself. Other than that it's
a private assistant clubs themselves are kind of in charge
of viewing that part of it locally. Regionally we have districts,
and then we go beyond that with Roady International some
of the general areas itself. It's been a challenge. We
(42:20):
see a lot of people that aren't the Rotary still
have no idea what Rotory even is or does. And
by putting this up in highlights, by winning an award
each and every year is what we aspire to and
in doing so that would then bring awareness at least
for the name Curiosity. We hope we'll pick up that name.
So eventually there is an understanding that Rotary represents service
(42:43):
above self literally and those volunteers that are, I would say,
in a position where they could assist and make a
difference in humanity in lives of those less fortunate than us.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
You got it. So let's take it back to the
ground weight. So for those that are going to participating,
participating as writers, participating as walkers, what can they expect
as they prepare for that walk or ride down Colorado
Boulevard in the twenty twenty six Pasadena Tournament of Roads.
Speaker 3 (43:15):
Is First of all, it's an experience, experience of a lifetime,
I've had the fortune of doing at one time, and
that is definitely amazing. It's an amazing venue, amazing area.
It's amazing parade. This parade is huge. I remember starting
at the top, we're staged in as you know, with
spectators just lining along the side of the street. As
(43:39):
we start moving, we ended up making a turn from
I think it's Orange Store onto Colorado Boulevard. Once I
made that turn, and that was breathtaking. As far as
you could see down that road, it was lined with people,
people cheering, people shouting, coaxing us along, and there are
(44:00):
people there thanking this for a work we do for
Roadary as you see down along the line. So that
I would say extremely gratifying. Knowing that you're going to
be on TV representing Rotary International is another thing that
it's mind blowing knowing that you're going to be seen
by that many people globally in this effort. So I
think that's probably the biggest one. The one that we
(44:21):
don't think about, which is funny, is that it's about
a seven mile trip and because it's I would say
so aspiring, it to going so much that I don't
think you really notice it until the last mile or so,
all saying, you go, oh my gosh, it's the end
of the prey. During the middle party, you go, when
is the end of this parade? We can't see the
end of it, and you keep going. But then as
(44:43):
you get towards the end of it, you realize, oh wow,
we're almost there. It's already over. But it is quite an.
Speaker 2 (44:49):
Experience, absolutely, And so what is some of the feedback
that you've received from past walkers who have been able
to join from around the world on the Rotary Rose
prece flow.
Speaker 3 (45:01):
We have quite a few of them actually even coming back.
They say it's an experience of a lifetime, something they
will never forget, which I'm sure that is the case.
It is something that's truly unique. The other ones are
trying to encourage other people to get involved, to try
and do it, because many people in Rotary have no
idea what Pasadena does of New Year's Day, no idea,
(45:24):
And when they start seeing and hearing about their friends
in this parade, they'll tune in watch it and go,
oh my gosh, that is a huge, huge venue in event.
So I think that's part of the biggest part. Many
of them, again, they love it so much they would
love to come back, but they're giving others opportunities to
also experience that.
Speaker 2 (45:45):
Absolutely. So for those that are listening, and maybe they're
not Routarians, maybe they won't be able to participate in
the parade, but they're curious and interested in being a
part of Rotary. What is the best way to connect
with Rotary and you know, explore a different club or
explore a local club that has similar interest as you
(46:09):
in terms of projects and vision for their community.
Speaker 3 (46:12):
The message we put out goes to the media. Media
is given a script. That script talks about Rotary, what
it does, the opportunities it has. Again, it's the largest
service organization in the world, so I think that is
one of the big things. And when we talk about it,
some people go, well, you know, why would I want
to contribute time, energy and effort, And you know, I've
got a family to feed, I've got work I have
(46:34):
to do, I've got other priorities in life. People instead
of helping out other people, Well, until you actually experience
service above self and making that big difference, you don't
realize that you can't put a number to it, You
can't put a dollar amount to it. It's something that
you experience and you want to just keep doing it
because you've seen the look in the eyes of these people.
(46:56):
We gave him a hope for a life that he
didn't have before.
Speaker 2 (47:00):
Absolutely, and being a rotarian is not a single member sport, right,
It's a family effort as well for those that have children.
I've heard of multi generational rotarians, up to three five
generations of rotarians that are you know, it's the entire
family that contribute, that are part of these projects. Talk
(47:20):
about some of those things that you've observed as your
time as a rotarian.
Speaker 3 (47:25):
I think as a rotarian, the more you get involved,
the more you want to share that experience. You want
to be mentors to those other people and give them
the opportunities to see what it's like to make a
difference to be that way. Some of the organizations I'm
involved with is Santa Barbie Junior Golf Tour which I
run there and the kids, even though they may not
(47:46):
join rotary, later on, I see them come back as
adults and they say, well, you know the values that
you gave us life, lessons you gave us in golf,
being our teacher advisor that have changed my life in
the wrong direction going forward in life, and he said,
you gave us a new direction for that one. I
thought that was pretty inspiring also just by giving it
(48:07):
the Roadary Values Boys and COHLS Club is another one.
The local Boys and Girls Club United, the Greater center
of Barvary area is run by a Rotarian, every leader,
the coordinator of every individual location rotarian. Also, I am
the president of the foundation of the Carponrita Boys and
(48:28):
Girls Club and this effort, we are able to serve
over sixty percent of the members of that Boys and
Girls Club that live below the poverty line. We give
them a place to stay safe, place to go hot
meal at least once every day, which they all say
they've never had that opportunity in their lifetime. And that
(48:49):
breaks the cycle. It changes a cycle where instead of
having to look for that next meal, they already know that.
I get it. It's not bleak, it's something we could do.
We have ability to change our lives itself. I think
that's a big one. That is the biggest, that.
Speaker 2 (49:05):
Is tremendous, And that's what I love about Rotary is
that depending on what your focus is and what your
time commitment allows projects large and small can be pursued
by Rotarian throughout the world. Please talk a little bit
again briefly about the level of engagement that Rotarians are
(49:26):
expected to invest as a Rotarian.
Speaker 3 (49:31):
Again, that's an excell good question Rotary. In my opinion,
in the past, it used to put a mandatory amount
of what you had to do, how often you had
to participate or attend. The new road is changing because
of the demographics, because of the younger generation we want
to see, we want to make it more flexible. So
when saying that Rotary is actually tailored to what you
(49:52):
want to give to it. If you only have time
maybe once a month, once every week, something like that,
and it's specific the projects that you want to be
involved with that's open to you, you could join Rotary
and just do that very specifically. I think that's probably
the biggest change that we've had, and I think that
is the change that's going to change our organization because
(50:14):
now we can have a footprint. We can have somebody
in Rotary touching every single thing we do in our region,
our communities.
Speaker 2 (50:22):
That is remarkable and that's what I love about Rotary.
Like you said, you can give to the discretion of
what you're able to give, big and small. There's no
idea too big or too small for Rotary. As you mentioned,
your effort in India allowed you to have over three
thousand volunteers to support you, and the level of support
(50:43):
that you're able to engage at to truly make an
impact is absolutely astounding. Wade. Thank you for your commitment,
Thank you for your work, and I am proud to
be a fellow Rotarian being led by leaders such as yourself,
especially in this great and exciting float that we're all
(51:04):
going to get to see. So for those that are
watching quickly, where can they see this float design?
Speaker 3 (51:10):
The float design is again on our website, ryfloat dot org.
It's being built by Phoenix, Phoenix Floatbuilders in I think
they're Arwindale, but I think that's a private area. But
they are the ones doing the work. They do it
for us every year and I think we've been fairly
consistent on winning awards in recent years a standing job.
(51:32):
Working with them has been a joy. They are great
people and became personal friends.
Speaker 2 (51:37):
Well that's great. I'm looking forward to it, Wade. Thank
you so much for joining us.
Speaker 3 (51:42):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (51:44):
All right, everybody listening. Don't forget to find us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn,
and Instagram. Check us out on this CBR talk dot com,
and don't miss my conversation with Mark Gergis, President and
CEO of Home Masters International. Read finding Southern Californian's construction landscape.
His in wavering commitment to integrity and design driven construction
(52:07):
transcends mere structures, crafting homes that resonate with life beyond
his entrepreneurial success. As president of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber
of Commerce, he champions community building through mentorship and collaboration.
Next week we will have doctor Mohammed Abbasulim, President of
Crek Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. President of Keck Graduate
(52:33):
Institute in Claremont, California. Doctor Abasulim serves as the pet sorry.
Next week we will have doctor Mohammad Abasulim, President of
Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. Doctor Abasulim serves as
the president, bringing a wealth of expert bringing a wealth
(52:53):
of expertise from his executive roles in nonprofit organizations, private industry,
and academia. Previous, he was the inaugural Vice President for
Research and Innovation at San Jose State University, where he
significantly increased research funding and established an innovative strategic plan.
He also led technology transfer initiatives at UC Santa Cruz,
(53:16):
generating heightened invention disclosures and state funding. As founding CEO
of tech TA in Canada, he drove substantial economic impact
by supporting startups and research projects. Doctor Abbas Sulam holds
multiple degrees, including a PhD in geomatics engineering. We will
(53:38):
see you all next week. You do not want to
miss this
Welcome to k MET fourteen ninety am ABC News Radio
in the Southern California Business Report with Evett Walker, a
show dedicated to highlighting successful Southern California businesses and the
people behind them.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome and thank you for joining Southern California Business Report
on ABC News and Talks k MET fourteen ninety AM,
ninety eight point one FM and k m E t TV.
I'm Vettwalker, live blasting our signal from the center of
Southern California, serving a population of over twenty five million.
Get us crystal clear and on demand by downloading the
(00:40):
free live streaming app on Google Play and the Apple
App Store. As always, a tremendous shout out to the
team Mitch, Bill and Sean I love you guys, and
to our special advisory committee that can be found at
www dot scbr talk dot com forward Slash Advisory Committee.
Click on the link and learn about the remarkable leaders
(01:03):
doing the work. Of course, as I speak of leaders,
I am absolutely thrilled and proud to introduce Wade Nomura,
who is involved in both local and international humanitarian causes,
having worked on more than two hundred charitable projects benefiting
over two million people. Including an NID to India, where
(01:26):
he has a special passion having had polio as a child.
He is a charter member of the Rotary Club of
Carpentaria Mourning and served as District Governor in twenty eleven
to twenty twelve. He is the Multi District Pets Alliance
Executive Director, a Rotary Rose Parade Float Director and past
two times chair, and a Rotary International President's Representative thirteen times,
(01:52):
including this year. Wade is the Region's Coordinator for the
Rotary Foundation COG of Technical Support globally and served on
the Long Term Planning Committee for the Rotary Foundation. Wade
also served as the Technical Coordinator of CADRES and the
Regional Organization North America of CADRES globally. He is the
(02:13):
Water Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Groups Operations Chair and
Project Support Committee Chair for Handwash in Haiti. Wade has
received Rotary International's Highest Individual Award, the Service Above Self Award,
and Rotary Foundation's Meritorious Service Award and their highest Individual
(02:34):
Award and the Distinguished Service Award. Wade is the former
two time mayor and current City Council member for the
City of Carpenteria and holds the record for the most
votes and an election. He and his wife Debbie produced
and hosted the TV shows Rotary Serving Our Community and
the award winning Carpenteria Living TV show. Wade was a
(02:57):
multiple BMX and national champion, World Champion, Hall of Famer,
and designer of Nomura Racing Bike, an icon among the
avid BMX collectors. Recently, Wade co authored his biography, Creating
Destiny with his wife, Debbie Nomura, who is also a Rotarian.
Oh my goodness, Wade, what a background. Thank you so
(03:21):
much for being with us today.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
My pleasure. Thank you.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Well, you know, as we've worked together, I have the
pleasure of serving alongside you on the Rotary Rose Parade
float committee. But as I read your bio and I
saw your history and your connection to Rotary through your
experience in overcoming bio, that just struck me as the
(03:46):
most remarkable why I've ever read. Right, So, as rotarians
talk about the why that rotarians share when expressing the
reasons that they are brought into the fold, well.
Speaker 3 (04:00):
For me it was a pretty special. My wife, late
wife Roxanne, talked to me into joining Rotary. I had
no idea what your organization was all about. Once I
got into it, though, I found out that there was
a lot to do with serving serving others in the community.
And what I really found interesting, which I had never
done before, was doing international projects. Up until the time
(04:22):
I joined RODI, I had never been on an airplane
out of the country and the first time I got
to go was because of a rotary project, a water
project in Mexico. From that time, one of the other
projects that intrigued me was the polio campaign that Rodri
is involved with, and I went to India in twenty
ten to do a Polio NID National Organization Day project
(04:45):
there and I found that quite fascinating. One of the
reasons why was because, yes, as a child that was
afflicted by polio.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So talk about your personal polio journey and what you
remember as you overcame this disease.
Speaker 3 (05:01):
Well, unfortunately, unfortunately, I was young enough to where I
didn't know what was going on. I had no idea
what polio was. I was a four year old at
the time. All I remembers my mother said that she
believed I had flu a high temperature, so she called
the doctor. The doctor back then, back in the day,
actually came to the house. So we came to the
(05:22):
house to a look at me and said we have
to hospitalize the way. We believe he may have polio.
So that's how I ended up going to the hospital
spent I believe it was about seven days there being
monitored constantly. Fortunately, once I was done with it and
broke the fever, they found I had no residual effects
from polio, so I was very fortunate. Again, that was
(05:45):
when I was four years old. Having that in the background,
when I found out Brewery was involved with polio campaign,
it seemed more of a coincidence, more fortuitous, I would say,
than anything else. So that's why I figured I do
have to do my part. I was spared the disease,
so I figured I'd have to help others with the
(06:06):
same certainly.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
So can you go a little in depth about Roderi's
mission and their relationship to polio and their efforts to
eradicate it.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
Yeah, yeah, happy to Polio was prevalent here in the
United States for a while. It was until it wasn't
until nineteen seventies, late nineteen seventies that you know, we
were clear from polio. But Rory got involved by doing
a grant, a huge grant, and this was done in
the Philippines. The plan was to actually take the same
plan that we used here in the United States and
(06:40):
move that into the Philippines to see if we could
imunize all the children and eradicate polio from the country
of the Philippines, which we were successful in doing. Once
that occurred, Rdory said, well, you know what we did
one country, he had one hundred percent effectedness. Let's take
it around the world. Let's go ahead and jump on
a campaign at kate polio from around the world. So
(07:03):
that was what was done. The Gates Foundation jumped on
board and said, you know what, we will help you out.
We realize this is a global effort, so he is
willing to put in quite a bit of money, match
our funds two to one as far as what we
did with the foundation. So because of that we got
pretty close. At one point in time, we're literally almost there. Again,
(07:25):
the least number of cases that we had globally was twelve,
and that was only in three countries that was instill endemic,
and from that it dropped to two because we were
able to complete Indian twenty ten got it and so
Afghanistan and Pakistan in the last two countries.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
That is amazing. So as it stands today, basically all
but two countries in the world have eradicated polio through
the combined efforts of rotarians around the world, such as yourself,
to administer and deliver this polio vaccine.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
That is correct. That World Health Organization helped us tremendously,
but it was a joint effort, but it was led
by Rotary and Rotary's efforts.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
That is remarkable. So what do you think it would
take to get those two other countries on board to
eradicate polio? Do you think we would need some type
of a truce or what do you think we would
need to bring those two countries to allow rotarians access
to children so they don't have to experience voluo.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
That is without a doubt. At one time they were
the lowest number, India was the highest, and so based
on the annual numbers, it seemed logical and easy that
we can go into Afghanistan and backstand, which are much
smaller countries to do this effort. The unfortunate part was
with the civil unrest and because of politics things like
that that could involved. Now that they're warring factions. It's
(08:54):
unsafe for us to actually get in there to do
the work. One thing people don't realize is that the
poliovirus actually could last and live outside of the human
body for as much as forty eight hours in water
itself and still be viable as a virus. And so
that is one of the reasons why it's important that
we immunize every child only because that poliovirus would still
(09:17):
spread even in the water source. It wouldn't be humans
body to body contact. It could actually occur with somebody
stepping into water that has the virus there at the time.
So for us to get into those countries, we would
need a clean or clear area, and that is a
challenge at this point in time. The countries that have
(09:38):
to try and be either hold the truce, which as
you know, working with politics oftentimes is near impossible, if
not impossible, But that will be the literally only way
we could effectively get rid of polio those two countries
is to immunize every child.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
So tell us Wade, what is the mode of vaccination
for the folio vaccine as rotarians distribute it today.
Speaker 3 (10:04):
We used when I was in Indian twenty ten the
too drop vaccine. That was the best. We literally just
have a little vials, plastic vials and we dropped two
drops into the mouth of each child. That way, you know,
we don't have to worry about the injections as previously
and as some countries still do. The two drops proved
(10:24):
to be effective because that was the mode that we
used for India.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
So WA India was a huge project, and you know,
going over the details and the logistics, please talk about
the India projects so we can celebrate the number of
lives that you were able to prevent from development.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Great, great question, Thank you.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
Matt.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
I had the opportunity in twenty ten to go to
India on one of these National Umanization days in NID.
I flew into India was told that I would be
leading a team of five of the twenty five of
that were volunteering from the United States. That team of five,
then we were assigned to the city of Rampoor. When
I found out where I was going, and this is
(11:09):
prior to leaving here in California, I looked up Rampoor
and just to see where we're going, and it says
definitely not a tourist destination. Spot, don't stand hotels, don't
drink the water, don't eat the food. So I looked
at that and go, well, you know, we signed up
for this tool, and I'm going anyways, when I got
to India, we were in Delhi and the Director of
(11:31):
health goes, who is the one that was assigned to
go to Rampur. So I raised my hand. He goes,
your team has been reassigned. You were going to the
city of Murdabad. So I go, well, that's great. Lucky me.
I dodged another bullet. And as I was thinking to
myself how lucky I was, I got a tap on
my shoulder. Lady behind me reaches forward and talks to
(11:53):
me in my ears. She goes, I was in Raudabad
last year. I go, oh, great, how was it? She goes,
we went through the slums and literally as we went
through the slums, we had the people from the second
and third floors of these apartments actually dumping sewer on
us because he did not want us in that area.
They felt that what we were doing. Literally, the I
(12:13):
would say, the rumor had it that we were sterilizing
children of India. It was not a vaccine for folio.
It was actually actually trying to sterilize the children where
they couldn't have offspring. So that was what happened when
he went. And my thinking was, well, guess what, I've
got a jacket, I've signed up, I'm already here. I'm going.
(12:34):
These jackets are supposed to be waterproof and they come
with a hood. So if that happens, so be it.
We moved forward. So he took our team there. The
fascinating thing was when we got there, it was just
the opposite. We were treated like rock stars. I go, wow,
what happened? And the director says, well, the biggest change
was is that because we have all factions, all of
(12:56):
the Islamic faith, people came together under one gentleman was
the Embump and told those people you have to let
us in. You have to make a change. What you
heard was all propaganda. These people are here to save
our children. So he says, you have to open your door.
These people have come here on their own money to
make sure that our children are safe from the poliovirus.
(13:17):
They will no longer perish, they would no longer end
up being crippled, but they would be able to live
a healthy, normal life. And so when we went through
all of these different ghettos of slums. We were literally saying,
too cheered everything you could think of. It was everything
in a slum that would be of a ticket parade.
(13:38):
So it was amazing and that change all happened because
of the Islamic faith leadership making that big change. And
these are the partners that we never see, we don't
hear about, but that is why we were able to
be effective in the city of Moranabad.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
So in addition to walking through the slums of India
and being in a very vulnerable place, talk about some
of the active cases you were able to observe during
the time that you were there. Paint the picture right
because polio is such a removed illness for the most
part from America, but to witness what polio can do,
(14:17):
and especially into those socioeconomic circumstances, paint a picture of
what the treatments.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
And happy to do that. One of the fortunate events
that occurred was I got to meet the National Director
of Help for India. He came to the city of
Maraudabad only because you lived close by nearby, and he
came looking for me specific I go, why are you
looking for me? You know what's up with this? And
(14:44):
he said, you know. He goes, we heard you are
a governor coming into Rotary. We know that you're here
on your own money. You're leading a team being one
of the incoming governors. But he goes, we also understand
you are a polio survivor. I said, yes, that is
the case. He goes, well, you kind of became a
celebrity star just because of your conditions, where you're coming
(15:06):
from and what you're doing. We would like to have
a TV crew follow you throughout the city of Mourdabad.
In doing so, we want to use this footage for
promotion of the program itself. I says, We're happy to
do that. One of the first places we went to
was a home again in the lower income area Sloan basically,
(15:27):
and he knocked on the door and a woman came
to the door carrying a child, a young boy, probably
about two or three years old, and I go, well,
why are we here? Are we going to immunize this child?
He goes, no, it's too late for this child. He
is our last case of polio that we had in
the city. Unfortunately, both of his legs are whither. He
will never walk, he's going to be a crawler. His
(15:48):
legs did not work. And so the women with a
tear in her eye actually told us, she said, welcome,
thank you very much for being here. Thank you for
making a difference, because I wouldn't want any other child
to suffer like my son's going to have to suffer
for the rest of his life. That was motivation and
health to get the job done. And so we went
(16:10):
through and we were joined by thirty three hundred volunteers,
so three thousand, three hundred volunteers from the city of Muradabad.
Actually most of them weren't rotarians, actually came in to
help us out and assist. And we were in Muradabad
for five and a half day, six days, and in
that time, the thirty three hundred plus the five of us,
(16:31):
so thirty three hundred and five. Basically we're able to
immunize every child in the city of Muradabad. What that
number was was nine hundred and sixteen thousand children under
the age of six, and we did that in six days.
And that was thanks one hundred percent or ninety nine
point nine percent because of the local volunteers that we
(16:52):
had helping us out. We were fumbling fingers. I had
a team right there that was next to us. I go,
how'd you guys do it? And go, well, we just
did five hundred today. I go, you did five hundred today,
access We're like if you did twenty because we're fumble
fingers were walking around. Of course, we had the media
following this also and they wanted to shoot all the
pictures of all of us putting in those vaccines. But
(17:15):
it was an amazing trip.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Well, that is absolutely remarkable. Let's talk about the logistics
that go into place, especially being in a foreign country
not speaking the language. How do you mobilize over three
thousand volunteers to distribute nearly a million vaccines.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
The main effort occurred because of the National Director of
Health of India, who was also a rotarian. He was
one of the higher ranking rotarians in the area. He
ended up living close to Moradabad and his mission was
to make sure that we had one hundred percent coverage
for one full year of the entire population of India.
(17:57):
So he made these efforts throughout all of the largest cities,
all the way down to the smallest cities were being
done on a day to day basis by a team
of volunteers that he had organized and done. I would
tell you one fascinating part of that team, I would
say was on one of the days, I think it
was the second or third day we were there, I
(18:18):
was invited to go to the briefing. They said, none
of the volunteers get to come. We only have the
eleven leaders of the different regions areas. They come in
and they give us their daily report on how many
children are immunized by their teams. So when I went in,
the first person comes up, goes, such and such stand up.
So the gentleman stands up, he goes out. They congratulates you.
(18:41):
He goes, you did almost five thousand children today one day.
He goes up to the next one, then does the
same thing, says, you know you're right there, just only
a few hundred behind him. Congratulations to you. He goes,
I've got a team here that had one one hundred.
I like you to stand up. And the gentleman's stood up,
which was right close to us, and he goes, I'd
(19:03):
like to tell you this. I congratulate them, but for you,
he goes, you are a disgrace. You are a disgrace
to this effort. He goes, if you cannot get that
number up by tomorrow, you have not only disgraced our efforts,
but you are disgracing yourself and your family. You will
be removed from that position. We will have you replaced
tomorrow if that number does not exceed two thousand. Do
(19:24):
you understand me? And the generals, yes, they do understand.
The next day he came back with thirty six hundred
vaccinated children. So that again is the accountability of these
quote volunteers. They're volunteering, but even though they're volunteering and
doing it for free, they risk pride, priate family, pie
her self. So that's how they did it. They're definitely driven.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
It sounds that way. You know, we grew up with
our word is our bond, right, and we take a
lot of people, take a lot of pride in their
honor and really showing up to represent great efforts such
as this. Let's talk about what you experienced once this
(20:12):
was all completed. I mean looking back and seeing that
you were able to deliver over a million vaccines. Have
you visited? Have you heard of what the polio numbers
are today? What is the update and what keeps you
going when you think about that project. I mean, it's
(20:32):
just it's overwhelming to think that on one visit you're
able to make such an incredible impact.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
That push was a huge push, again in conjunction with Rotary,
with the World Health Organization and with the government of India.
That was the same trip that we went to where
the last actual polio case occurred. So in twenty eleven
twenty twelve, because of the one year that they had
(21:01):
to have clearance, India was declared polio free. So you
talk about an effort that in itself is huge. Knowing
that the unfortunate part is as we talk about the
endemic countries, those are the two Afghanistan and Pakistan. The
unfortunate part is that those countries that were considered polio
free are now getting infected also because of the transportation
(21:24):
of people. People transporting that virus at disease. We see
it in as far as areas in Africa currently, So
until we are able to eradicate it from one area,
that's going to continue, I would say, the export of
the virus itself. So we do have to make a
pretty positive effort to make sure that this happens. It
(21:45):
occurs sooner than later.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Do you first see a follow up visit to India
to revisit some of these places and vaccinate those that
maybe haven't received the vaccine but are also at risk
of transmitting it.
Speaker 3 (22:00):
Most of that is being left current to the government.
The government itself has a good handle on it. So
for us to send a team into India as an example,
there's probably not enough cases to warrant our efforts in
going in there. Now. Remember, they treat us, they take
care of us, so that makes it a little difficult
for them financially. Also, what we are focusing on are
those specific areas where we are seeing some of it now,
(22:23):
the Eastern Block European countries that are feeding having issues too.
Again in those areas, we are also seeing a surge, upsurge,
uptick of polio virus. So again those all happen. Unfortunately,
wartime brings out the worst. It makes living conditions where
you know, it's almost non sustainable, and because of that,
(22:45):
many different viruses start popping up again. From that specific reason,
that's why it's important if we could eradicate polio every
last case, it's going to be you know, one of
those one of the last ones in spat smallpox, that
we literally eliminated a disease.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
From the world, absolutely, and that will be thrilling to celebrate.
I know as of late, the Rotary motel has been
we're this close aravitating polio. And so when people say
that they're this close, what are they referring.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
To, Wade, They are literally referring to that we are
extremely close. People don't realize it and if you ask
most people I live in the United States, they have
no idea Polo's even around the world because we've had
it gone for so many decades. The unfortunate part is
that we are going to fight that disease to the area.
And when I say that, when we as Rotarian say
(23:41):
we are this close, we are talking about that. But
the hardest part that we face is to keep the
motivation there because we've been fighting it for so long,
millions of dollars going to this effort each and every year,
and if we were to quit now, you would only
surge back to where it was before. So that's what
we have to can be evilling forward. If you ask
(24:02):
Rotary if in fact it's something that they want to
continue doing and what is the next one, they will
tell you that we have no second vision other than
to finish Polio first. Once Polio's then we can move
into another one. Otherwise you get diverted into another cause.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
Absolutely, Wade, so with God said, we are going to
head on a break. Everyone who's listening. Evett Walker with
ABC News and Talks Southern California Business Report Here today
with Wade no Mura, who emerges as a beacon of hope.
As a respected rotary leader, he embodies the spirit of service,
earning accolades like the prestigious Service Above Self Award. Focusing
(24:40):
on overcoming the challenges of polio as a child, ignited
a fierce dedication to humanitarian service, manifesting in his staggering
contributions to over two hundred charitable projects that have uplifted
more than two million lives across the globe. When we return.
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Speaker 2 (28:16):
Welcome back everyone. Evett Walker with ABC News and Talks
Southern California Business Report Here today with Wade no Mura,
who emerges as a beacon of hope. As a respected
leader in Rotary, he embodies the spirit of service, earning
accolades like the Prestigious Service Above Self Award. Focusing on
overcoming the challenges of polio as a child, ignited a
(28:38):
fierce dedication to humanitarian service, manifesting in his staggering contributions
to over two hundred charitable projects that have uplifted more
than two million lives across the globe. Thank you again
for being with us today.
Speaker 3 (28:54):
Wade, my pleasure. Thank you, Matt, thanks for your invitation,
you got it.
Speaker 2 (28:59):
So prior to the break, we got to talk about
Roderi's mission to eradicate polio, your tremendous effort in India
to vaccinate nearly one million children to protect them from
the awful disease of having to go through polio, which
(29:19):
to date, as you mentioned, has been eradicated in that
area of India. So bravo, congratulations and thank you for
being such a wonderful light in this world and doing
what you can to make other people's lives better in
those efforts. Just share with me, Wade, what was the
(29:41):
most captivating experience, the experience that resonates with you the
most from that visit to India.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
I would say the magnitude of those people working with RTORY.
We oftentimes talk about RORY being one point two to
one point four million people, but what we don't realize
is that number probably is ten times that because of
the volunteer help that we get in these different communities.
India is a prime example of that. What's evolved since
that time. As of last year, India became the number
(30:15):
one country for global grant recipients, which is amazing. Over
four hundred global grants were done in India itself. Number
two in the world was Guatemala at eighty. So that
shows you the step in progress us I believe is
that between forty and fifty. So I think that that
part of it, working as this team gave India an
(30:35):
understanding of what Rotary actually can do in coordinated efforts
globally by focusing in on specific countries. So that's why
it might be and the big change has occurred. India
now is the fastest growing country and membership of rotary
in the world.
Speaker 2 (30:52):
That is exciting and that's thrilling, and I can only
imagine how inspiring that show of combined care for their
country must have done for them. And realizing that because
of Rotary and these efforts and your efforts, polio is
eradicated in India.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
Very true, very true. And it was quite a privilege
to be able to work and fortunately get to see
from the top down. Instead of just seeing the people
on the ground working, I got to see what was
behind the curtain literally on what was happening there with
the efforts and how the government got involved. That was huge.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
That is exciting, and it's inspiring and a testament to
the power of rotarians around the world when they have
a vision, when they have something in their heart to
give to the world, to their community, both locally and abroad.
No mission is too big or too small.
Speaker 3 (31:44):
True, very true.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
So let's shift gears and talk about your Rotary rose
Parate float director do now, because I mean, how does
that compare to vaccinating children. I mean, I guess one
you have to travel, the other you have to coordinate
the whole team to make sure this float looks perfect.
Let's talk about that.
Speaker 3 (32:06):
Well, very Fortunately, we have a great team. The committee
is outstanding. Rody Rose Pary Float Committee. We have a
bunch a lot of dedicated Rotarians in an effort to
put forward a float in the Rose Parade each and
every year that's seen by over twenty seven million people.
So my involvement in this one is different in the
(32:27):
fact that rather than doing actual hands on service project
like I usually do on a day to day basis
for Rodary, I get the opportunity now to share what
we are doing to the world, to the global world.
I think that's probably what keeps me motivated with doing
the Roads Parade, getting the opportunity to show the public
(32:47):
in showcase what Rotary actually does. As an example, the
very first float that I shared was a train. It
was a candy train basically, it's what it was, and
we've decided that year to actually put a Polio theme
to it. So what I did was actually recruited not
only the International President a route in that float, he
was the engineer, but I had three special guest people
(33:10):
writing in the back of that float. I had Jonathan
and Peter Sulk and Debbie Saban, the ones that created
the two different polio vaccines. Actually they're children of but
they're still involved with it as doctors. So by bringing
that out there and using those three quote celebrities that
the world the globe has heard about, that brought a
(33:31):
good recognition for what we're doing. We were doing for
polio through the efforts of Rotary. So that was my
first window of opportunity be able to share some of
the message that we wanted to have. Each and every
year we try and come up with a theme afloat
and an idea and image where we would then be
able to highlight showcase what Rotary is doing, some of
(33:53):
our efforts, some of our focuses. Since twenty twelve, we've
had every Rotary International President but two one was because
of COVID and the other one was due to help
actually right on the float itself. So this year we
expect the same. We will have the international president writing
is one of the representatives of ROADI International.
Speaker 2 (34:15):
That is remarkable. So are there other events that Rotary
is involved in where they get the attention of twenty
seven million people around the world? Or is the Rose
Parade that's hosted in Pasadena, California pretty much the only
spot that can happen.
Speaker 3 (34:32):
I wouldn't sist the only spot, but it definitely is
the biggest. We have that twenty seven twenty eight million
viewers watching it on TV. We have also three quarters
of a million people watching it along the parade route.
As you know, you got the experience with me in
the last few years taking pictures and footage of some
of the other floats in that parade. So if you
(34:53):
look at that, there's no greater, no larger public image
effort than that one specific event that time. And Rody
is aware of that, and so that's why we have
partnered in even stronger this year, making it even better.
Speaker 2 (35:06):
That is so exciting. So let's talk about what it
takes to plan, design, commit to creating this beautiful float
that we will all see come down Colorado Boulevard day
after New Year's.
Speaker 3 (35:26):
Well, it starts, believe it or not, only January, second
day after for eight starts. We already have to start
putting in plans. We do a review of what happened
during the year, things we could do better, things that
worked out well, and we create that. Our meeting is
usually the second week of January for the start of
the next year's float or that current year's float, and
(35:49):
in doing this part of it, we stay ahead of
the curve. We're able to keep in process of what
is working, what's going on. We have to design the
float itself, come up with the ideas for it, coporate
theme marketing, which the team marketing and branding team, a
subcommittee is the one that I shair on that one,
and so we are literally working at what went well,
(36:11):
what we could do better for the weak spots, where
where we could leverage those efforts that we have. The
float itself costs over two hundred thousand dollars, so you
could imagine the fundraising that we have on that one.
It's huge, and this is all done mostly by private contributions.
There are a handful of sponsors we have, but the
walkers and writers are all part of that effort. For
(36:34):
them to walk a ride, they are sponsored, self sponsored,
so they have to pay for their positions in that float.
This year. This last year we had eight international people.
We are expecting to anticipating on having more. Prior to
that one, the first float that went down was sponsored
by the Pasadena Rotary Club. Since that time, I believe
(36:57):
it was after that shortly this committee took over, so
we've been coming around for quite a while. This new
effort literally covers almost all the Southern California rotarians. You included,
by the way, so thank you.
Speaker 2 (37:10):
Yes, well, it's my absolute honor. You know, Rotary of
course and the Pasadena Rose Prayed both iconic organizations and events,
and it's my absolute honor to cover that. So let's
discuss the people that are riding on the float and
walking alongside it. Who are these rotarians and where from
(37:35):
around the world do they typically join us?
Speaker 3 (37:37):
From the regulars are the international president and spouse. They
are actually funded by Rotary International. They help us out
that way. We also then have the sponsoring districts. Each
sponsoring district, the five of them in Southern gal also
contribute and that contribution goes directly to a walk of position.
(38:00):
So this year we hope to have eight riders sixteen
walkers on the parade route itself. And again this is
a big push for our fundraising effort. We are this
year trying to get two hundred and fifty thousand dollars
due to a shortfall we have last year. So for
those of you that are watching, we could sure use
your help and We look forward to seeing out there,
including the help us decorate it and enjoy the float
(38:22):
watching it on TV.
Speaker 2 (38:24):
You got it, Wade, tell us what are the different
ways that we can do to help, either by volunteering, supporting, building, contributing.
What are the different ways that communities, either rotarians or
non rotarians can join in the effort to join the
excitement of this float.
Speaker 3 (38:44):
We tried to make it as open as possible so
every level was kind of recognized. You can go to
our website it's rotaryfloat dot org and if you go there,
you can go to a donation page and tells you
all the different ways we have everything from purchasing a
roads for twenty five dollars that actually goes onto the
float itself in your name. We have then the ambassador
(39:07):
positions where you could come in there, sign up as
an ambassador and actually have your not only represent the
float itself, but also have the opportunity for a drawing.
We pull one name of one of the ambassadors each
year it gets to ride on the float, so that
is another big opportunity. We then have the walkers and
(39:28):
rider positions. Those are open to anybody. We are hoping
to get more international people this year. Then we also
have the decorating part. It happens usually in December, so
in December we open up some spots. Sign up is
the first Saturday, I believe of September, and from there
you have the opportunity to actually decorate the float itself.
(39:50):
So we are looking for hands on and not really volunteers.
You pay I think it's twenty five dollars to help
us out decorate that float. With that, you get a shirt,
you get recognition, and we look forward to having as
many rotarians, family of rotarians, friends of rotarians involved because
it does take a long time to decorate that float
(40:11):
and a lot of times.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
And those floats, the designs are just beautiful. The intricacy
and the flowers and the lushness of the different materials
that you use are just stunning. Way to share with
us what the theme of this upcoming Rotary Rose Parade
float is going to be?
Speaker 3 (40:32):
Okay, well, definitely do that. This year's tournament theme is
the magic of teamwork. So the magic I'm sorry, magic
and teamwork that is going to be the theme for
the parade itself. This year, Rotary came up with the
name we named the float the same as our international
theme this year, United for Good, and so with that
we plan on showing that off. When we say United
(40:55):
for Good, we want to show a picture of our
global efforts because many people say rotary as in their
communities if they're present or if you hear a sea
of them, but not realizing that we are literally in
every region of the world you could think of, and
that teamwork in itself becomes the United for Good.
Speaker 2 (41:17):
That is so exciting. Okay, Wait, so for those that
are listening and they want to hear again the different
ways they can sponsor if they don't have time to
go volunteer and enjoy the fragrant flowers as they're being
applied on the design, what are some of the different
ways that people can contribute and where they need to
go to do so.
Speaker 3 (41:36):
Again, that's my easiest way is to go to our
website Rotaryfloat dot org.
Speaker 2 (41:42):
Excellent. And so why is it important again for the
Rotary Rose Parade to float to represent rotary and rotarians
across the world.
Speaker 3 (41:58):
Again, this is our large platform. We have the most
viewership anywhere through this event itself. Other than that it's
a private assistant clubs themselves are kind of in charge
of viewing that part of it locally. Regionally we have districts,
and then we go beyond that with Roady International some
of the general areas itself. It's been a challenge. We
(42:20):
see a lot of people that aren't the Rotary still
have no idea what Rotory even is or does. And
by putting this up in highlights, by winning an award
each and every year is what we aspire to and
in doing so that would then bring awareness at least
for the name Curiosity. We hope we'll pick up that name.
So eventually there is an understanding that Rotary represents service
(42:43):
above self literally and those volunteers that are, I would say,
in a position where they could assist and make a
difference in humanity in lives of those less fortunate than us.
Speaker 2 (42:55):
You got it. So let's take it back to the
ground weight. So for those that are going to participating,
participating as writers, participating as walkers, what can they expect
as they prepare for that walk or ride down Colorado
Boulevard in the twenty twenty six Pasadena Tournament of Roads.
Speaker 3 (43:15):
Is First of all, it's an experience, experience of a lifetime,
I've had the fortune of doing at one time, and
that is definitely amazing. It's an amazing venue, amazing area.
It's amazing parade. This parade is huge. I remember starting
at the top, we're staged in as you know, with
spectators just lining along the side of the street. As
(43:39):
we start moving, we ended up making a turn from
I think it's Orange Store onto Colorado Boulevard. Once I
made that turn, and that was breathtaking. As far as
you could see down that road, it was lined with people,
people cheering, people shouting, coaxing us along, and there are
(44:00):
people there thanking this for a work we do for
Roadary as you see down along the line. So that
I would say extremely gratifying. Knowing that you're going to
be on TV representing Rotary International is another thing that
it's mind blowing knowing that you're going to be seen
by that many people globally in this effort. So I
think that's probably the biggest one. The one that we
(44:21):
don't think about, which is funny, is that it's about
a seven mile trip and because it's I would say
so aspiring, it to going so much that I don't
think you really notice it until the last mile or so,
all saying, you go, oh my gosh, it's the end
of the prey. During the middle party, you go, when
is the end of this parade? We can't see the
end of it, and you keep going. But then as
(44:43):
you get towards the end of it, you realize, oh wow,
we're almost there. It's already over. But it is quite an.
Speaker 2 (44:49):
Experience, absolutely, And so what is some of the feedback
that you've received from past walkers who have been able
to join from around the world on the Rotary Rose
prece flow.
Speaker 3 (45:01):
We have quite a few of them actually even coming back.
They say it's an experience of a lifetime, something they
will never forget, which I'm sure that is the case.
It is something that's truly unique. The other ones are
trying to encourage other people to get involved, to try
and do it, because many people in Rotary have no
idea what Pasadena does of New Year's Day, no idea,
(45:24):
And when they start seeing and hearing about their friends
in this parade, they'll tune in watch it and go,
oh my gosh, that is a huge, huge venue in event.
So I think that's part of the biggest part. Many
of them, again, they love it so much they would
love to come back, but they're giving others opportunities to
also experience that.
Speaker 2 (45:45):
Absolutely. So for those that are listening, and maybe they're
not Routarians, maybe they won't be able to participate in
the parade, but they're curious and interested in being a
part of Rotary. What is the best way to connect
with Rotary and you know, explore a different club or
explore a local club that has similar interest as you
(46:09):
in terms of projects and vision for their community.
Speaker 3 (46:12):
The message we put out goes to the media. Media
is given a script. That script talks about Rotary, what
it does, the opportunities it has. Again, it's the largest
service organization in the world, so I think that is
one of the big things. And when we talk about it,
some people go, well, you know, why would I want
to contribute time, energy and effort, And you know, I've
got a family to feed, I've got work I have
(46:34):
to do, I've got other priorities in life. People instead
of helping out other people, Well, until you actually experience
service above self and making that big difference, you don't
realize that you can't put a number to it, You
can't put a dollar amount to it. It's something that
you experience and you want to just keep doing it
because you've seen the look in the eyes of these people.
(46:56):
We gave him a hope for a life that he
didn't have before.
Speaker 2 (47:00):
Absolutely, and being a rotarian is not a single member sport, right,
It's a family effort as well for those that have children.
I've heard of multi generational rotarians, up to three five
generations of rotarians that are you know, it's the entire
family that contribute, that are part of these projects. Talk
(47:20):
about some of those things that you've observed as your
time as a rotarian.
Speaker 3 (47:25):
I think as a rotarian, the more you get involved,
the more you want to share that experience. You want
to be mentors to those other people and give them
the opportunities to see what it's like to make a
difference to be that way. Some of the organizations I'm
involved with is Santa Barbie Junior Golf Tour which I
run there and the kids, even though they may not
(47:46):
join rotary, later on, I see them come back as
adults and they say, well, you know the values that
you gave us life, lessons you gave us in golf,
being our teacher advisor that have changed my life in
the wrong direction going forward in life, and he said,
you gave us a new direction for that one. I
thought that was pretty inspiring also just by giving it
(48:07):
the Roadary Values Boys and COHLS Club is another one.
The local Boys and Girls Club United, the Greater center
of Barvary area is run by a Rotarian, every leader,
the coordinator of every individual location rotarian. Also, I am
the president of the foundation of the Carponrita Boys and
(48:28):
Girls Club and this effort, we are able to serve
over sixty percent of the members of that Boys and
Girls Club that live below the poverty line. We give
them a place to stay safe, place to go hot
meal at least once every day, which they all say
they've never had that opportunity in their lifetime. And that
(48:49):
breaks the cycle. It changes a cycle where instead of
having to look for that next meal, they already know that.
I get it. It's not bleak, it's something we could do.
We have ability to change our lives itself. I think
that's a big one. That is the biggest, that.
Speaker 2 (49:05):
Is tremendous, And that's what I love about Rotary is
that depending on what your focus is and what your
time commitment allows projects large and small can be pursued
by Rotarian throughout the world. Please talk a little bit
again briefly about the level of engagement that Rotarians are
(49:26):
expected to invest as a Rotarian.
Speaker 3 (49:31):
Again, that's an excell good question Rotary. In my opinion,
in the past, it used to put a mandatory amount
of what you had to do, how often you had
to participate or attend. The new road is changing because
of the demographics, because of the younger generation we want
to see, we want to make it more flexible. So
when saying that Rotary is actually tailored to what you
(49:52):
want to give to it. If you only have time
maybe once a month, once every week, something like that,
and it's specific the projects that you want to be
involved with that's open to you, you could join Rotary
and just do that very specifically. I think that's probably
the biggest change that we've had, and I think that
is the change that's going to change our organization because
(50:14):
now we can have a footprint. We can have somebody
in Rotary touching every single thing we do in our region,
our communities.
Speaker 2 (50:22):
That is remarkable and that's what I love about Rotary.
Like you said, you can give to the discretion of
what you're able to give, big and small. There's no
idea too big or too small for Rotary. As you mentioned,
your effort in India allowed you to have over three
thousand volunteers to support you, and the level of support
(50:43):
that you're able to engage at to truly make an
impact is absolutely astounding. Wade. Thank you for your commitment,
Thank you for your work, and I am proud to
be a fellow Rotarian being led by leaders such as yourself,
especially in this great and exciting float that we're all
(51:04):
going to get to see. So for those that are
watching quickly, where can they see this float design?
Speaker 3 (51:10):
The float design is again on our website, ryfloat dot org.
It's being built by Phoenix, Phoenix Floatbuilders in I think
they're Arwindale, but I think that's a private area. But
they are the ones doing the work. They do it
for us every year and I think we've been fairly
consistent on winning awards in recent years a standing job.
(51:32):
Working with them has been a joy. They are great
people and became personal friends.
Speaker 2 (51:37):
Well that's great. I'm looking forward to it, Wade. Thank
you so much for joining us.
Speaker 3 (51:42):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (51:44):
All right, everybody listening. Don't forget to find us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn,
and Instagram. Check us out on this CBR talk dot com,
and don't miss my conversation with Mark Gergis, President and
CEO of Home Masters International. Read finding Southern Californian's construction landscape.
His in wavering commitment to integrity and design driven construction
(52:07):
transcends mere structures, crafting homes that resonate with life beyond
his entrepreneurial success. As president of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber
of Commerce, he champions community building through mentorship and collaboration.
Next week we will have doctor Mohammed Abbasulim, President of
Crek Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. President of Keck Graduate
(52:33):
Institute in Claremont, California. Doctor Abasulim serves as the pet sorry.
Next week we will have doctor Mohammad Abasulim, President of
Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, California. Doctor Abasulim serves as
the president, bringing a wealth of expert bringing a wealth
(52:53):
of expertise from his executive roles in nonprofit organizations, private industry,
and academia. Previous, he was the inaugural Vice President for
Research and Innovation at San Jose State University, where he
significantly increased research funding and established an innovative strategic plan.
He also led technology transfer initiatives at UC Santa Cruz,
(53:16):
generating heightened invention disclosures and state funding. As founding CEO
of tech TA in Canada, he drove substantial economic impact
by supporting startups and research projects. Doctor Abbas Sulam holds
multiple degrees, including a PhD in geomatics engineering. We will
(53:38):
see you all next week. You do not want to
miss this
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