Carl J. Faehnle, Jr.

Carl Faehnle is a past president of the Rotary Club of Columbus, where for the past five years (June 2001 to June 2006), he has served as chair of Rotary International's Polio Eradication Committee for District #6690.

Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

During his tenure as chair of the Polio Eradication Committee, Carl was responsible for speaking to Rotary clubs in Southeastern and Central Ohio, training six area coordinators and helping to raise money to eradicate polio in children worldwide.

Carl's district was charged with raising $171,000. Under his leadership, his district exceeded that charge by raising $588,000. This contribution helped Rotary International move closer to its goal of raising $140,000,000, with matching funds coming for the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

It's anticipated that Rotary International will reach its goal of total eradication of polio worldwide by mid-2007.

Today, due to the successful fundraising campaigns, almost every child worldwide has received the polio vaccine and there exists fewer than 600 cases of polio worldwide. Carl was recently awarded the Rotary International distinguished "Service Above Self" Award for outstanding and devoted service to Rotary's worldwide goal of eradicating Polio.

Carl says, "It is a privilege to be part of such a massive world-wide effort. I feel a sense of pride knowing that I can look into my grandchildren's eyes, and know that maybe I helped make a small contribution to their future."