Certainly! Based on the summary of July 11, 2025 news stories relevant to Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Prairie Preservation & Environmental Education Initiative
Context:
Adam Dagley, facilities manager at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, recently gave a presentation on the importance and preservation of Illinois prairies. While Geneva is nearby, the context resonates with Lake County’s increasing concern for environmental stewardship and the unique prairie ecosystems that remain in the region. Prairie loss is a significant issue and aligns with Rotary’s focus on environmental sustainability and education.
Potential Partners:
- Local Nature Preserves and Forest Preserves (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves District)
- Illinois Audubon Society
- Peck Farm Park (for educational support)
- Local schools and environmental science teachers
- Community green groups (such as Citizens for Conservation or native plant societies)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Adam Dagley (via Peck Farm Park) and the Lake County Forest Preserves District to discuss joint educational programming or restoration days.
- Organize a “Rotary Prairie Day” involving habitat restoration, invasive species removal, or native seed plantings.
- Offer a fundraising campaign to sponsor prairie educational kits for schools or field trips for underserved youth from Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Publicize through Rotary newsletters and local media to increase awareness and expand volunteer participation.
2. Community Peace and Reflection Garden Project
Context:
The Benedictine Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Lisle opened a peace garden—highlighting a growing demand for public spaces that foster wellness, reflection, and community healing. Lake County communities, including Gurnee and Waukegan, have diverse populations and growing needs for accessible, tranquil community spaces that support mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Local faith-based organizations/leaders (who may provide insight, volunteers, or land)
- Park districts for site selection and maintenance (e.g., Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District)
- Mental health organizations (Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County)
- Local artists or sculptors to create artwork for the gardens
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with local park districts and interested faith or civic groups to explore available spaces and shared goals.
- Develop a fundraising drive for garden installation, incorporating “sponsor a bench/plant/sculpture” donor opportunities.
- Coordinate volunteer build days with Rotary, youth groups, and community members.
- Connect with the Benedictine Sisters for best practices and possibly for a dedication or educational event.
- Promote the project in local media and through schools, encouraging its use as a space for youth leadership events, mindfulness workshops, or interfaith gatherings.
Both projects address Rotary priorities in community health, education, environment, and youth engagement, while leveraging current local interest and potential for broad partnerships.
Based on the recent news coverage and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, the following two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities align strongly with Rotary’s areas of focus: the environment, education/youth, and community health. Here are recommended projects with local context, potential partners, and suggested next steps:
1. Environmental Restoration & Public Awareness Project: Coal Ash Pond Clean-Up Support in Waukegan
Context:
The recent decision by the Illinois Pollution Control Board requiring NRG Energy to remove coal ash ponds from the Waukegan lakefront presents a significant opportunity for environmental action and community education. Coal ash ponds have been sources of heavy metal and toxin leakage, raising longstanding public health and ecological concerns for Waukegan and Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- NRG Energy/Waukegan Generating Station (for information and site coordination)
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
- Faith in Place or Sierra Club Illinois (local environmental advocacy)
- Waukegan Park District (for community outreach and event hosting)
- Local schools for student environmental clubs and service learning
Next Steps:
- Contact NRG and IEPA to learn about the project timeline and opportunities for community volunteer involvement.
- Organize public educational workshops about coal ash, environmental health, and the importance of clean water, potentially featuring local experts.
- Plan hands-on involvement in shoreline trash clean-ups, native planting, or pollution monitoring with local youth and community groups.
- Seek grants or sponsorship for materials and event promotion—Rotary could coordinate fundraising events to supply safety gear, educational materials, or water quality test kits.
- Develop a media campaign (social and print) to raise awareness and involve wider community participation.
2. Enhanced College & Career Scholarship Initiative – North Chicago D187 Mentoring & Fundraising
Context:
Recent coverage highlighted the success and growth of the North Chicago District 187 Scholarship Program, which supports local students in pursuing sustainable careers. With a persistent need for access to post-secondary education and support for economically disadvantaged youth, expanding this initiative would directly contribute to educational equity and youth development in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- North Chicago Community High School & District 187 Scholarship Program
- College of Lake County (for college readiness workshops)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago (mentorship collaboration)
- Local businesses and corporate sponsors (for internship and career day events)
- Area alumni and civic leaders (as guest speakers and donors)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with District 187 staff to identify current scholarship needs and potential students who could benefit from mentoring.
- Organize a Rotary-led scholarship fundraising drive, possibly including a gala, silent auction, or crowdfunding campaign.
- Develop a “Students to Scholars” mentorship program pairing Rotarians and professionals with scholarship recipients for college and career advising.
- Host empowerment workshops focusing on life skills, financial literacy, and college application support for interested students at North Chicago and neighboring schools.
- Publicize success stories and donor recognition to encourage ongoing community and corporate support.
Both projects are timely, feasible, and align with the Rotary values of service, leadership, and sustainable community impact.
1. Youth Education & Empowerment: Lake County Spelling Bee Sponsorship and Literacy Fair
Context:
Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee after besting competitors from 73 Lake County schools. This highlights both academic excellence and the need to support literacy and educational enrichment for youth locally. Many students in Lake County, especially in economically disadvantaged areas like Waukegan, could benefit from increased access to literacy resources and recognition of academic achievement.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Scripps National Spelling Bee regional organizers
- Local businesses (for sponsorship)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education and local spelling bee coordinators about supporting future spelling bees (sponsoring entry fees, providing scholarships, or funding travel for finalists).
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored “Literacy Fair” in partnership with libraries and schools, featuring author talks, a mini spelling bee, and STEM/STEAM activities for all ages.
- Develop a recognition and micro-grant program for outstanding academic achievement in literacy throughout the year, ensuring students from underrepresented schools can participate.
- Secure sponsorships from local businesses to help fund the initiatives and provide awards or scholarships.
- Promote volunteer opportunities for Rotary members as spelling bee judges, tutors, or event organizers.
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic education and literacy, Youth support
2. Senior Citizen and Intergenerational Community Health Initiative Inspired by the Waukegan Proud Award
Context:
A 108-year-old Waukegan resident was recently honored with the "Waukegan Proud Award" for a lifetime of achievements, highlighting both the value seniors bring to the community and the need for healthy intergenerational connections. Many seniors in Lake County face social isolation and health challenges. Leveraging Rotary’s network, there is an opportunity to support holistic senior wellbeing and foster connections between youth and elders.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan and Waukegan Township senior services
- Council for Older Adults of Lake County
- Local schools/youth clubs (for intergenerational activities)
- Healthcare providers (Vista Health System, Lake County Health Department)
- Park districts and libraries (venues/transport)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with City of Waukegan senior services to identify needs for social and health support (e.g., wellness checks, companionship programs, access to vaccinations/health screenings).
- Launch an “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program partnering youth (schools, scouting groups, Rotary Interact Clubs) with isolated seniors for recurring visits/calls and joint activities (oral histories, skill sharing, tech tutoring).
- Organize a "Seniors & Youth Connect" Community Day with health screenings, legal/financial workshops, and cultural activities, prioritizing participation from both seniors and youth.
- Seek funding/grants to address transportation barriers for seniors to attend Rotary community events.
- Promote intergenerational service as part of Rotary’s work, recruiting Rotarians and young people alike.
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community health; Supporting the elderly; Intergenerational community building
Based on the current news and needs in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that closely align with Rotary’s areas of focus, along with specific local context, possible partners, and recommended next steps:
1. Human Trafficking Prevention & Survivor Support Initiative
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Supporting Women & Children, Peacebuilding
Context:
A recent Lake County Sheriff’s Office sting resulted in 27 arrests for human trafficking. The prevalence of human trafficking in Lake County highlights a clear ongoing community need for both prevention efforts and victim support. Human trafficking not only affects physical and mental health but also tears at the social fabric of the community.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff John Idleburg)
- Prairie State Legal Services (providing legal support to survivors)
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee (crisis intervention)
- A Safe Place (shelter/services for survivors of domestic violence and trafficking)
- Youth outreach programs (e.g., Waukegan to College, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to discuss partnership opportunities and current needs post-sting.
- Coordinate a community awareness event or panel (possibly hosted at College of Lake County) to educate the public about signs of trafficking and available resources.
- Organize a fundraising drive or supply drive to benefit local shelters and survivor support organizations, focusing on critical needs (toiletries, clothing, prepaid phones, bus passes).
- Create/preventative youth programming in collaboration with schools and youth centers to discuss internet/grooming safety.
- Apply for a Rotary District or Global Grant to expand the reach or impact.
2. Food Insecurity & Nutrition Support Project
Rotary Areas of Focus: Community Health, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies
Context:
Recent reports indicate a spike in visits to Chicago-area food pantries over the past year, with local Lake County pantries experiencing increased demand. Food insecurity impacts a wide spectrum of well-being, especially among children and seniors, and is often linked to other challenges such as job loss, rising housing costs, or health crises.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County branch)
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan), Avon Township Food Pantry (Round Lake)
- College of Lake County (student food pantries)
- Local Midas franchisees (recently involved in community giveaways/donations)
- Local farms and farmers’ markets (e.g., Grayslake Farmers Market)
Next Steps:
- Arrange meetings with key food pantry directors to identify their most urgent needs (funding, volunteers, food/supplies).
- Organize a Rotary food drive at high-traffic community events (summer concerts, the Grayslake Farmers Market, etc.).
- Partner with local restaurants and grocers for “round-up” fundraising or “buy one, give one” promotions.
- Implement a community education workshop on nutrition and meal planning for food-insecure families, possibly leveraging student volunteers from College of Lake County’s culinary or nutrition programs.
- Consider long-term sustainable solutions such as supporting the development of community gardens or sponsoring “backpack” food programs for local schools.
Both initiatives have urgent relevance in the local news cycle and offer tangible ways for Rotary to partner with existing organizations, mobilize volunteers, and make measurable impact in Lake County communities.
1. "Rotary Family Fun & Wellness Day" at the Waukegan Waterfront Market
Context:
The Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina draws large crowds (Friday, July 25, 5:00 pm, 175 S Harbor Pl, Waukegan). This publicly accessible setting is ideal for community health outreach and engagement activities, particularly as Lake County continues to face health disparities, especially among children and families.
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease prevention & community health, family/youth engagement
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Park District
- Local YMCA (Hastings Lake YMCA, which also hosts outdoor family events)
- Community Healthcare Clinics
Suggested Activities:
- Free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, BMI)
- Family fitness activities (Zumba, yoga; kid relay races)
- Healthy snack tastings from local vendors
- "Wellness Passport" for children to collect stamps at health/activity stations, redeemable for small prizes
- Resource fair with information on mental health, nutrition, vaccinations, and after-school programs
Next Steps:
- Contact Waterfront Market organizers to secure dedicated Rotary space.
- Recruit and coordinate health partners and volunteers (leverage ties with YMCA, local clinics, and Lake County Health Department).
- Design a promotional flyer and share on social, print, and at Grayslake events leading up to July 25.
- Prepare simple, engaging family activities and source give-away items (water bottles, healthy snacks, stress balls, etc.).
2. "Books & Backpacks for Kids" Drive at Grayslake Area Public Library and Community Events
Context:
The Grayslake Area Public Library hosts community-engaging events like the $5 Brown Bag Book + CD + DVD Sale (Saturday, July 12). As families prepare for back-to-school, need for school supplies and youth literacy support remains high across Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Round Lake.
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic education & literacy, supporting children & youth
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library (100 Library Ln, Grayslake)
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Grayslake CCSD 46)
- Area businesses and faith organizations (Santa Maria del Popolo Parish, seen hosting rummage sales)
- Youth organizations (e.g., Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club Lake County)
Suggested Activities:
- Book drive and school supply collection bins at library events and SummerFest (August 15)
- Partner with libraries and schools to identify students in need and distribute reading packs and backpacks
- Literacy celebration event during August (align with Grayslake SummerFest or Farmers Market), featuring guest storytellers, crafts, and free books for participating youth
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with library leadership to schedule collection/distribution and tie-in with existing events
- Reach out to school social workers to identify recipients and distribution logistics
- Encourage local youth service groups to help sort and pack materials
- Promote the drive via event flyers, local Patch, and Rotary networks; seek sponsorship from area businesses to maximize backpack and supply availability.
Certainly! Based on the current news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities tailored to recent community events and Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Hunger Relief: Partnering with the Hunger Resource Network
Context:
The “Help Feed the Need” Hunger Resource Network Golf Outing (August 6, Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling) highlights an ongoing need to support food-insecure families across Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee. Hunger and food insecurity fall directly under Rotary’s areas of focus (community health and basic needs). The regional demand for nutritious food often spikes in the summer when school is out and children lose access to free/reduced lunch programs.
Potential Partners:
- Hunger Resource Network
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local supermarkets (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Aldi)
- Local schools and faith communities
- Area businesses (sponsorship for fundraising events)
Next Steps:
- Connect with Alan Blitz (Volunteer Media Writer for the Hunger Resource Network) to coordinate collaborative community food drives before school resumes.
- Organize a secondary, child-friendly food packing or fundraising event for families, leveraging the visibility from the August golf outing.
- Partner with local businesses for matching donations or sponsorship, and offer service opportunities for high school Interact or student volunteers.
- Publicize the initiative via Patch, social media, and municipal newsletters.
2. Youth & Water Safety/Emergency Preparedness: Lake Michigan Awareness Outreach
Context:
Multiple news reports have warned of hazardous 7-foot waves and deadly swim conditions at Lake Forest beaches. With the busy summer season and local children spending more time around water, there is immediacy to enhance water safety education and emergency preparedness (aligning with Rotary’s focus on saving mothers and children, community health, and supporting youth).
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Police Department (currently running a "Positive Ticketing" program for kids’ good behavior)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local Park Districts and lifeguard organizations
- Midwest Water Safety Alliance or the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
- Scout troops and student leadership groups
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with police and local park districts to create a water safety campaign and interactive workshops for kids and families at popular community beaches.
- Incorporate role-playing and demonstrations about rip current responses, basic CPR, and how to help a friend safely.
- Provide educational handouts, free life jackets or safety whistles for children who complete the program, and recognize positive water-safety behaviors (mirroring the ticket/coupon rewards approach).
- Host fundraising events or seek community sponsorships to sponsor swim lessons for at-risk youth in Waukegan and Gurnee, emphasizing inclusivity for multilingual and lower-income families.
- Publicize workshops in collaboration with the Patch local news, summer camps, and faith organizations.
Both projects respond directly to recent community news and align with Rotary’s mission, providing clear opportunities for partnership, service, and sustainable impact in Lake County.
1. Youth & Community Safety Initiative: “Safe Spaces” Event at Gurnee’s Six Flags and Surrounding Areas
Context:
A recent shooting was reported in the parking lot of Six Flags in Gurnee. Although there were no injuries, this incident raises concerns about youth safety and underscores the need for violence prevention, mental health awareness, and positive youth engagement—key issues for many families in both Gurnee and the wider Lake County community.
Potential Partners:
- Six Flags Great America (venue and outreach)
- Gurnee Police Department (safety workshops, community relations)
- Lake County Youth Services and schools (youth participation)
- Local mental health organizations (Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County)
- Parent-teacher associations and scout troops
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Gurnee’s community affairs office and Six Flags management to coordinate a “Safe Spaces” day or weekend.
- Organize workshops, safety demonstrations, and youth-focused activities (conflict resolution, anti-bullying, mental wellness).
- Invite law enforcement for positive youth engagement—K9 demos, “meet your officer” sessions, etc.
- Leverage Rotary volunteers for event staffing and promotion.
- Seek local sponsorship to cover event logistics and materials (e.g., safety pamphlets, giveaways).
- Collect feedback post-event to assess impact and plan for regular safety workshops in schools or other community spaces.
2. DUI Crash Victim Support and Prevention Campaign (Lake County/Wadsworth)
Context:
Recent tragic DUI-related crashes in Lake County—including one that killed a 33-year-old woman and another that injured a 4-year-old—highlight an urgent need for both support to victims and families, and enhanced prevention education targeting youth and adults.
Potential Partners:
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Illinois
- Lake County Sheriff's Office and local police departments
- Advocate Condell Medical Center and other local hospitals
- Local high schools, colleges, and driving schools
- News outlets (Libertyville Patch, Lake County News-Sun) for public service announcements
Next Steps:
- Organize a fundraising drive or benefit dinner to support victims’ medical expenses and bereavement services in partnership with MADD.
- Launch an educational campaign, “No More Empty Seats,” offering interactive assemblies and safe driving workshops in schools and at community events.
- Develop and distribute prevention toolkits (with Rotary branding) for parents and teens—sobriety pledges, ride-share vouchers, and info on DUI consequences.
- Maintain a presence during high-risk times such as proms, holidays, and summer events with prevention messaging.
- Monitor impact and report back to the community and partners, reinforcing Rotary’s leadership in public health and safety.
Both initiatives directly support Rotary’s focus areas: disease prevention and community health, child and maternal health (especially with DUI victim support), basic education and literacy (via school outreach), and peace and conflict prevention (community safety).