The effort to eradicate polio received a boost when violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, a polio survivor, joined the New York Philharmonic last month to perform "The Concert to End Polio."

The performance is helping Rotary International raise $200 million, matching a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund immunizations in developing countries where the crippling disease still threatens children.

Before a vaccine was developed, Perlman contracted polio at age 4 in Israel. To watch a video excerpt of his performance and to donate to the Rotary cause, go to http://bit.ly/rotaryendpolio.

— Advertiser Staff

HAWAI'I'S NEXT HOT MAMA

INSPIRING WINNER TO GET PRIZE CACHE

Know a mom or mom-to-be who deserves to be celebrated? Hot Mama Maternity and Baby aWEARness (now in one location at Manoa Marketplace) are hosting Hawai'i's Next Hot Mama, a contest to honor Island mothers: Not a beauty contest, it's about moms who are inspiring, energetic and creative. The winner receives more than $1,000 in prizes, a spa package, and reigns as the new face of Hot Mama Maternity. To enter or nominate someone, fill out a form at the store in Manoa Marketplace or online at www.babyawearness.com. Click on the Hot Mama Contest link on the home page. Deadline: Feb. 11. Information: 988-0010.

— Paula Rath