1. Support Community Health Amid Hospital Service Cuts
Context:
Local hospitals in Lake County, including those serving Gurnee and Waukegan, have expressed fears about potential staff layoffs and service reductions due to upcoming federal policy changes ("Illinois hospitals fear massive cuts under Trump domestic policy law," July 12, 2025). These cutbacks threaten vital community health services, particularly for underserved populations.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department & Community Health Center - Local hospital foundations (e.g., Vista Health System, Advocate Aurora) - Local food pantries and Free Clinic of Lake County - Health professions programs at College of Lake County
Recommended Rotary Initiative:
Launch a "Community Health Resource Drive" combined with an outreach program to support residents affected by service reductions. This could include fundraising for essential supplies (medications, medical equipment), coordination of free preventative health screenings, and organizing health literacy workshops.
Next Steps:
- Meet with hospital representatives and community health providers to identify urgent gaps in services and supplies.
- Convene a Rotary task force for health outreach and invite participation from medical students and local healthcare workers.
- Plan a fundraising campaign (e.g., charity walk/run, benefit dinner) and health fair.
- Coordinate with municipalities to secure venues and promote the initiative via local media and partners.
2. Youth Resilience and Leadership Development Initiatives
Context:
With increased uncertainty in community resources and a shifting political landscape (as highlighted in the coverage of the state and local political transitions), area youth face new challenges and anxieties related to education, future prospects, and civic engagement.
Potential Partners: - Warren Township High School (Gurnee), Waukegan High School - Youth organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan Park District - College of Lake County - Local libraries and park districts
Recommended Rotary Initiative:
Establish a "Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement Camp"—a summer or after-school program focusing on leadership skills, mental health resilience, and community service. The project could blend workshops, speaker series (inviting community leaders and professionals), service projects, and mentorship.
Next Steps:
- Engage with school administrators, counselors, and local youth organization staff to assess student needs and interests.
- Recruit Rotary members and community leaders as mentors and guest speakers.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses and apply for Rotary district grants.
- Develop a curriculum and schedule, securing venues at partner schools, community centers, or libraries.
- Launch pilot sessions and gather feedback for future program expansion.
1. Animal Welfare and Community Health: Support for Animal Rescue and Responsible Pet Ownership
Context:
Recent news reported that 52 dogs were removed from a Wauconda home, leading to animal cruelty charges. The large-scale rescue highlighted a continued need for community support, education on responsible pet ownership, and resources for animal welfare organizations dealing with both the immediate care of rescued animals and longer-term prevention efforts.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Animal Care and Control
- Local rescue organizations (e.g., Orphans of the Storm, Waukegan Animals Getting Saved - WAGS)
- Lake County Health Department
- Community Works in Waukegan (for educational outreach)
Recommended Rotary Project:
Organize a fundraising and supply drive to benefit local shelters handling rescued animals and create an ongoing educational workshop series on responsible pet ownership, targeting youth and families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. The workshops can also offer wellness clinics for pets (e.g., low-cost vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter events).
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Lake County Animal Care and Control and area shelters to assess current needs (funds, supplies, volunteer help).
- Coordinate with local schools, libraries, and community centers to host educational workshops.
- Launch public awareness campaigns and a donation drive (targeting both monetary donations and needed supplies such as pet food and bedding).
- Recruit volunteer veterinarians for basic wellness clinics.
- Publicize the program via local media and partner organizations.
2. Educational Scholarships and Youth Career Development
Context:
North Chicago District 187’s scholarship program continues to grow, beginning with just six students in 2020 and increasing to 26 scholars. The program is lauded for helping young people find economically sustainable careers, demonstrating a community-driven commitment to education and workforce development, particularly for underserved students in Waukegan and North Chicago.
Potential Partners:
- North Chicago School District 187
- Lake County Partners
- College of Lake County
- Local businesses and unions (for internships/apprenticeships)
- Community Works in Waukegan
Recommended Rotary Project:
Expand scholarship funding and career development initiatives for high school students in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Gurnee. A fundraiser, such as a community dinner or gala, could be used to raise scholarship funds and also connect students to local business leaders for mentorship and internship opportunities.
Next Steps:
- Meet with District 187 leadership to understand current scholarship gaps and opportunities for Rotary involvement.
- Set project fundraising goals and select dates/venues for events.
- Solicit sponsorships and in-kind donations from local businesses.
- Establish a mentorship and career-shadowing component in partnership with area employers.
- Publicize scholarship and career programs via school channels, Rotary publicity, and local media to reach students and families who can benefit.
These project ideas align directly with Rotary’s core areas of focus (community health, education, and youth), are grounded in recent local news developments, and leverage both ongoing needs and existing programs for greater long-term community impact.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL
1. "Champion Spellers" Literacy and Youth Empowerment Initiative
Context: Seventh-grader Visharad Sathish from Lake County recently won the regional spelling bee and is now representing the area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This achievement highlights both the potential of local students and the importance of academic enrichment opportunities in the community. Literacy and youth education are key Rotary areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (especially in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local PTAs and educational nonprofits
- Sponsors such as local banks or businesses
Next Steps:
a) Organize an annual spelling bee or academic competition with Rotary sponsorship, offering scholarships or educational stipends for winners and participants.
b) Launch after-school literacy programs or reading clubs, leveraging Rotarian volunteers as mentors and guest readers.
c) Partner with local libraries to host literacy festivals or author talks that are open to all families.
d) Develop a fundraising campaign or event (such as a "Spelling for a Cause" dinner) to fund scholarships and books for under-resourced schools in the area.
2. "Green Lake County" Youth-Led Environmental Action Days
Context: Lake County and its municipalities—including Gurnee and Waukegan—face ongoing needs for environmental stewardship, particularly around cleanups of local parks, beaches along the lakefront, and community green spaces. Engaging youth in environmental action helps nurture civic responsibility and healthy environments, aligning with Rotary's focus on the environment and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- Local schools’ eco/climate clubs
- Nonprofits like Cool Learning Experience (Waukegan) or SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Municipal civic departments
Next Steps:
a) Organize biannual "Rotary Youth Eco-Day" events where area youth (including high-achieving students like Visharad Sathish and peers) lead clean-up and planting projects, supervised by Rotarians.
b) Collaborate with schools to integrate environmental education and service projects into curricula, providing resources such as gloves, trash bags, and native plants.
c) Arrange for guest environmental speakers and interactive workshops in partnership with local agencies and youth groups.
d) Raise funds through a community walk/run or "Green Gala" to support ongoing environmental education efforts and supplies for student-led sustainability projects.
By focusing on these opportunities, Rotary can address immediate community needs—supporting education, youth achievement, and environmental stewardship—while building meaningful, visible partnerships across Lake County.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on recent events and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries
Context:
Recent news highlights that “Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year.” Food insecurity is a growing issue in Lake County, and with increased demand, local food pantries are under pressure to provide consistent, healthy food to those in need. This aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on community health and fighting disease, as food insecurity is closely linked to many health challenges.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (servicing Lake County)
- Local food pantries in Waukegan and Gurnee (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry, Warren Township Food Pantry)
- Local businesses such as Ray Auto Group, which is already active in local community initiatives
- School districts (for student/family food drives)
Next Steps:
- Meet with representatives from local food pantries to identify immediate needs (food types, hygiene products, volunteers).
- Organize a community-wide food drive with collection points at partner businesses and events.
- Explore hosting a fundraising event (such as a community dinner or fun run) to benefit local food pantries.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to help with food sorting, packing, and distribution.
- Raise awareness through social channels and partner with local media such as Patch for coverage.
2. Diversity, Inclusion & Youth Empowerment Workshop
Context:
Recent reports note a hate crime case related to threats made on an LGBTQ+ social media page, showing a need to promote inclusivity and safety in the community. Rotary’s focus areas include supporting education and promoting peace, and such incidents highlight the importance of youth engagement, education, and building a supportive community environment.
Potential Partners:
- PFLAG Grayslake (local LGBTQ+ support group)
- Grayslake High School District and area middle schools
- The Grayslake Area Public Library (as a venue and community hub)
- Community organizations focused on youth and diversity education, such as Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, or Lake County Health Department’s community programs
Next Steps:
- Connect with local schools, PFLAG, and relevant nonprofit organizations to co-design workshops or speaking events for youth and parents, focusing on allyship, inclusivity, and mental health.
- Identify and secure funding or sponsorship (mini-grants, fundraising events, or local business support).
- Recruit volunteers to help organize, promote, and facilitate the workshops.
- Collaborate with local media (such as Patch and school newsletters) to maximize outreach and positive impact.
Both initiatives respond directly to recent needs and events in the Lake County region and reflect Rotary’s commitment to fostering healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunities – Lake County, IL (Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake)
Context:
At the Waukegan Harbor and Marina’s recurring Waterfront Market (next: July 25 and August 22), and during large community gatherings (such as the Grayslake SummerFest and Glow Swim), there are opportunities to reach families and youth. Lake County continues to face pockets of food insecurity and health disparities, especially in urban centers like Waukegan. According to Lake County Health Department reports, access to healthy living resources remains unequal, and there is an ongoing need for childhood wellness education and basic screenings.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and Harbor Market organizers
- Lake County Health Department
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pediatricians or medical groups
- Schools and youth programs (e.g., Grayslake Library’s summer program)
Next Steps:
- Contact event organizers (e.g., Waterfront Market, SummerFest) to reserve a Rotary booth or sponsor a children’s health activity zone.
- Coordinate with health department and medical volunteers to offer free health screenings (vision, blood pressure, nutrition info, BMI for kids) and fun wellness activities.
- Collaborate with Northern Illinois Food Bank to host a pop-up produce/grocery giveaway for families in need.
- Recruit Rotary members and Interact/Rotaract youth to staff education stations and distribute wellness kits.
- Secure funding via a wellness-focused fundraising drive, promoted at the market and online.
Context:
The Grayslake in Bloom Community Garden Walk and weekly Summer Farmers Market (July 16, 3 pm) draw attention to local food systems and green space. These events indicate strong public interest in gardening, sustainability, and hands-on education. However, some lower-income or apartment-dwelling community members lack resources to start or maintain gardens, which can address food insecurity and promote environmental stewardship.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club / Grayslake in Bloom organizers
- Local garden centers (e.g., Ace Hardware, Home Depot)
- Grayslake Area Public Library (linked to educational programming)
- Lake County Forest Preserves Environmental Education
- Schools and scout troops
Next Steps:
- Partner with Grayslake in Bloom to identify families and youth groups interested in starting balcony or small-space gardens.
- Assemble “starter kits” containing soil, containers, seedlings/seeds, instructions, and resource contacts.
- Host Rotary-led workshops at the Farmers Market or Library (or virtually) on sustainable gardening, composting, and pollinator support.
- Launch an “adopt-a-garden” mentoring program pairing experienced gardeners (including Rotarians) with new participants.
- Seek sponsorships or donations from local garden suppliers and promote a dedicated fundraising event (e.g., “Plant-a-Seed Gala”) at one of the summer concerts or community gatherings.
These projects directly address Rotary areas of focus: health, environment, youth, and education, and leverage current popular events and areas of community need in Lake County.
1. Community Mental Health Awareness and Youth Support Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlights the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board awarding $1 million in grants to 23 local nonprofits addressing mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities. Meanwhile, youth engagement and positive behavior are being championed by the Lake Forest Police Department, which rewards kids for making safe choices. These updates reflect both an investment in mental health services and a community desire to reinforce wellness and healthy choices among young people in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local recipient nonprofits (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling, NAMI Lake County)
- Lake Forest Police Department
- Local schools and parent-teacher organizations
Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-led Mental Health Awareness Fair, combining informational booths, youth wellness workshops, and resource connections, hosted at a community center or local high school.
- Collaborate with police and nonprofits to develop an incentive program that rewards youth for participating in mental health and safe behavior initiatives, similar to the positive ticketing program.
- Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., community walk/run or dinner event) to support specific youth mental health programs at local nonprofits, leveraging Rotary's network.
- Promote the initiative through social media, school newsletters, and community partners to maximize reach.
2. Emergency Preparedness and Environmental Safety Drive
Context:
Severe weather, including tornado threats and hazardous Lake Michigan wave conditions (7-foot waves and unsafe swimming), has recently affected Lake County, highlighting the urgent need for community education on emergency preparedness and environmental safety. Flash flooding, as reported, increases the risks to residents, especially vulnerable families and youth near the Lake.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Emergency Management Agency
- City of Waukegan and Gurnee Fire/Police Departments
- Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department
- Local environmental groups (e.g., Friends of Lake Michigan, Illinois Safe Boating Council)
Next Steps:
- Host a Rotary Emergency Preparedness Fair, featuring interactive safety demonstrations (CPR, first aid, flood response, swim safety), giveaways of emergency kits, and presentations from first responders.
- Develop and distribute multilingual emergency readiness guides and swimming safety materials, focusing on under-served neighborhoods in Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Coordinate with parks and lakefront authorities to sponsor signage and free swim lessons or water safety classes for kids ahead of the summer season.
- Seek local business sponsorships (e.g., Waukegan Tire, Chevy Chase Country Club) to underwrite supplies and event costs.
- Publicize the effort in local news, at community events (like Lake Forest Day), and via digital channels.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus on community health, the environment, education, and youth, and are responsive to current regional needs and recent news developments.
Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two recommended Rotary projects that address relevant community needs and align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth & Community Safety: “Safe Spaces, Safe Choices” Initiative
Context:
The recent incident involving a shooting in the Six Flags parking lot in Gurnee, as reported above, highlights growing safety and security concerns for families and youth in public spaces. Additionally, the region has recently experienced fatal and injurious drunk-driving crashes, impacting children and adults alike. These trends point to a crucial need for collaborative efforts around youth engagement, education about choices (including risks of impaired or reckless driving), and safe community gathering spaces.
Potential Partners: - Gurnee Police Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office - Six Flags Great America (site and event support) - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)–Illinois Chapter - Local school districts - Waukegan and Gurnee Boys & Girls Clubs
Next Steps: - Convene a meeting with law enforcement and local schools to discuss joint safety education campaigns targeted at youth and parents. - Organize a community “Safety Awareness Day” at or near Six Flags, combining fun activities, police/firefighter demos, and safety demonstrations (e.g., simulated DUI crash, safe driving pledges). - Create and distribute safety kits or resource guides with input from partners like MADD for teens and families. - Plan follow-up school and youth center visits/workshops on peer pressure, substance use avoidance, and bystander intervention. - Consider fundraising or sponsorships to fund safety materials and event costs.
2. Flood Preparedness and Environmental Resilience Campaign
Context:
The National Weather Service recently issued a Tornado Watch for the Chicago area—including Lake County—with flash flooding as a significant concern after heavy rains. The frequency and severity of such weather events continue to rise, exacerbating risks to homes, schools, and small businesses—especially as insurance rates spike (noted by State Farm’s 27.2% rate hike for Illinois homeowners). There is a pressing need for flood readiness, especially in vulnerable communities in Waukegan and surrounding Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Emergency Management Agency - American Red Cross–Northern Illinois Chapter - Local environmental groups (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves) - School environmental/science clubs - Home Depot/Lowe’s (local branches for sponsorship and supplies) - Patch.com as a media partner to amplify outreach
Next Steps: - Organize a “Flood Readiness Fair” to distribute sandbags, provide emergency preparedness information, and promote stormwater management at homes and businesses. - Launch an educational campaign (social media, school presentations) on flood prevention, home preparation tips, and resources for families in flood-prone areas. - Work with local hardware stores for in-kind donations of supplies and possible grant funding. - Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist vulnerable households with basic flood-proofing solutions. - Integrate a component focused on environmental sustainability (such as rain garden kits or native planting workshops) to further Rotary’s environment focus.
Both projects respond directly to current regional news and needs, helping to build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities in Lake County.