The new club is a satellite of the Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise. Citing the expansion of Rotary’s capacity to address the needs of the local community, Bermingham said "Volunteers are unpaid not because they are worthless but because they are priceless. We are delighted to welcome priceless new Rotarians who are so eager to unite with each other and others to do good locally and internationally Buffalo Sunrise President Patti Johnson, observed, “We are so happy to expand our Rotary family, and we look forward to working with this incredibly enthusiastic group.
Under the leadership of Chair, Karen Saxon, and its Board of Directors, the new Rotary club will focus on local community service, economic development, environmental protection, leadership development among youth, and the international humanitarian efforts of Rotary. According to Chair Saxon, “The Buffalo East Side Rotary exists to impact and transform lives in our community, with a particular focus on youth.”
At a festive celebration on March 29, 2022, Governor Anne Bermingham officially welcomed the Buffalo East Side Satellite Club based in Buffalo’s East Side community. According to data compiled by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Buffalo’s East Side neighborhood is 73% African American. The development of the first Rotary club in this community reflects Rotary’s recognition of the value of ethnic and cultural diversity among its members.