Rotary Club of Hamburg

06/05/2026

05/21/2026

What an incredible moment for the Rotary Club of Hamburg! 🚛🥕🌽
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of West Herr and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation, our Farm to Family program now has a brand new Ford truck to help us deliver even more fresh produce to families across WNY.
Last year, the Rotary Club of Hamburg volunteers distributed more than 190,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to 31 food pantries. With this new truck, we are setting our sights even higher with a goal of 200,000 pounds in 2026!
A special moment in today’s presentation was honoring Earl Knauss, whose passion and dedication have helped make this program what it is today. His book, “The Ugly Vegetables,” continues to help support this mission and can be purchased on Amazon. (with proceeds going to Farm to Family).
If you would like to help us continue feeding families throughout Western New York, please consider making a donation at:
HamburgRotaryClub.org
Every donation helps put healthy food on tables throughout our community.
Thank you again to West Herr, the Scott Bieler Family Foundation, our Rotary volunteers, local farmers, and everyone who supports Farm to Family. Together, we are making a real difference.

05/21/2026

We can’t thank you enough! Our newest truck courtesy of and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation. Last year we delivered over 190,000 pounds of vegetables to 31 food banks in WNY. A program started by one man who saw a need and a solution. Want more details? Buy his book, The Ugly Vegetables by Earl Knauss on Amazon. Proceeds go to the program. Thank You

05/09/2026

IT’S FOUNDATION FRIDAY
Friday May 8, 2026 📅

On the Front Lines of Polio Eradication: Director Chris Etienne’s 2026 Pakistan Experience

💡 For this session, we welcome Chris Etienne, the 2024–2026 Rotary International Director for Zone 28.

🌍 Pakistan remains one of the last endemic countries for wild poliovirus, making it a critical focus for Rotary and its partners. Director Chris will share the story of her recent trip in support of Rotary’s final push to eradicate polio globally.

💉 Chris Etienne has a deep commitment to National Immunization Days (NIDs), having previously participated in polio eradication efforts in India and Nigeria.

📚 Join us to learn more about polio awareness and available resources. Bring your questions, be ready to exchange ideas, and connect with fellow Rotarians.

This Zoom Webinar is OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED ROTARIANS.

Hosted by Rotary District 7090 and End Polio Now Co-chairs Frank Adamson and Elaine Richard (PolioPlus Society Coordinator)

04/16/2026

Some stories deserve more than a spotlight… they deserve a standing ovation.

Last night, our Rotary family had the honor of celebrating one of our own, Earl Knauss, for receiving Rotary International’s highest distinction: the Service Above Self Award—an honor given to just 150 individuals worldwide each year.

More than 50 years of service led to this moment, but Earl will be the first to tell you—it’s never been about recognition. It’s about impact.

Through his Farm to Family program, what began with one man and one truck has grown into a lifeline for our community. Today, “ugly vegetables” from four local farms are rescued and delivered to more than 30 food pantries across Western New York. During peak season, this effort runs six days a week—powered by heart, hustle, and an incredible network of volunteers.

In true Earl fashion, he spent his acceptance thanking everyone else—the farmers, the volunteers, the supporters who turned a simple idea into something transformational.

And last night, the giving came full circle.

Earl received additional recognition from the Village of Hamburg, along with an extraordinary gift from West Herr Automotive Group and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation—a beautiful new truck that will expand the reach of Farm to Family for years to come.

This is what Service Above Self looks like.
This is what one person’s vision—supported by a community—can become.

Thank you, Earl, for showing us what’s possible. And thank you to everyone who continues to lift this mission forward.

If you want to learn more about Earl’s journey, his book The Ugly Vegetables: One Man's Passion to Feed Families is available on Amazon.

01/21/2026

It's that time of year again. Once a year we create "no sew blankets" for the palliative care floor at ECMC. Just like the name says, no sewing involved. It's two step process. Cut the edges of the two pieces of fabric. Tie the two sides together. Not only is it easy you can chit chat the whole time your are working! It's a fun way to do a good deed. We deliver the blankets to the incredible staff at ECMC and then they give one to each new person who arrives for their use. Then the families may keep them. Interested in helping with this project next week? Message us for all the details.

12/16/2025

Thank you for creating this great video. Really sums up Rotary well.

12/02/2025

It's Giving Tuesday and we have great programs that can use your help. Follow the QR to get to the donation page of our site. Choose Farm to Family, Warm the Children or the general fund for good works around town.