By Margarita MH
In 1990 the song “Wind of Change” was written by Klaus Meine inspired by the end of the Cold War, as an anthem of peace and freedom. In 1979 Rotary International launched a project to immunize six million children in the Philippines, helping them to become free of being permanently paralyzed. Neither Klaus Meine, nor James Bomar Jr., then RI president, imagined the impactful effects their actions would cause to the world, “ a change.”
With the speed and wind that a motorcycle rider experiences, the adrenaline rushing through her body, feeling the freedom of her soul; with that freedom, an unstoppable woman decided to unite her passion of motorcycling with her passion of helping children to become polio-free.
Everything started in 2015 when Ute Schneider, who recently emigrated from Germany, came up with the idea of organizing a motorcycle ride to raise money for Polio Plus. Sheila Franklin, President (2014-2015) of the Memorial-Spring Branch Club supported Ute’s initiative, gracefully. In spite of her language barrier to fully communicate in English at that time, Ute was able to put together the first ride. On November 21st. of 2015, marked the beginning of a fun and meaningful tradition.
In 2017 Ute was recognized for her great accomplishment and was awarded "Spouse of the Year" by Bill Palko. Since then, Ute has been leading the Motorcycle Rides except in 2023, when she sadly lost her brother. That year, the event was led by Bill Palko.
For a decade, this event became a fun tradition. Every year different International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians (IFMR) of District 5890 ride together with one goal in mind, “eradicate polio.” Non-members also participate in this annual event.
In 2018, Darryl E. Smith, member of our Club joined the rides, living and sharing his motto: “When you are blessing to others, God is a blessing to you.” In 2024 Ute became a member of Space Center and we are honored to have her.
Since 2024 the Clubs of Space Center and Memorial-Spring Branch are the official organizers. We warmly thank Ute and Chris Schneider for their leadership.
Thanks to all the IFMR of District 5890, especially Art Bautista who pushed a lot, family members and friends, a total of $42,000 (+)* was raised!
From left: District Governor Dr. Thomas Kelchner, Art and Olga Bautista
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free and with this saying, the Motorcycling Rides led by Ute and Chris will continue side-by-side with Polio Plus, changing children’s lives.
For more photos, please visit us at Flickr.
*at the time of this writing, more donations are still coming.