White House Author

John Germ is an individual who truly embraces the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Currently the vice chair of fund development for Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee, he also led Rotary’s US$200 Million Challenge, a fundraising effort in which Rotary raised more than $228 million toward a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Because Rotary reached the $200 million milestone ahead of schedule, the Gates Foundation awarded Rotary an additional $50 million, all of which funded critically-needed polio immunization activities, protecting millions of children against the crippling infectious disease. John has always made time to serve his community, his most notable accomplishments being his work with the disadvantaged, as well as physically and mentally challenged individuals. In 1981, John led the effort to build Camp Discovery, a special designated camp for those with mental and physical disabilities. He also spearheaded a $7 million campaign to raise funds for Orange Grove Center, a school for the mentally challenged. These funds also helped construct a residential rehabilitation center, residences, physical therapy area, and a recycling center.