Here are two Rotary service/fundraising opportunities tailored to current events and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, and aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health Forum & Awareness Campaign: Intoxicating Hemp and Youth Safety
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health; Youth
Context:
The continued lack of state regulation for intoxicating hemp products has created uncertainty for families and educators in Lake County. Unregulated hemp-derived THC products are increasingly accessible, raising concerns about youth safety, public health education, and prevention of substance abuse. Community stakeholders—including parents, schools, health departments, and law enforcement—need reliable resources to navigate this evolving situation and foster informed decision-making among young people.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Waukegan and Gurnee School Districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee District 56)
- Local parent-teacher associations (PTAs)
- Lake County Opioid Initiative
- Youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Convene a joint planning meeting with the above partners to assess educational gaps and high-risk youth demographics.
- Host a community health forum at a public venue (school or community center), featuring experts in adolescent health, legal perspectives on hemp, and preventative strategies.
- Create and distribute bilingual informational materials (printed and digital) on the risks of unregulated hemp products, with guidance for parents and youth.
- Use event proceeds or sponsorships to fund ongoing prevention and substance abuse education programs in local schools.
2. Workforce Skills & Economic Mobility Initiative for Youth and Underserved Adults
Rotary Area of Focus: Economic & Community Development; Education; Youth
Context:
With economic mobility highlighted by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign and ongoing regional concerns about access to quality jobs, there is a clear need to increase workforce development for youth and underserved adults in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County. Many local residents face barriers to high-growth sectors (e.g., healthcare, trades, technology) due to gaps in training, mentorship, or networking—especially in traditionally underrepresented communities.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (technical and workforce training programs)
- YouthBuild Lake County
- Lake County Workforce Development Department
- Local chambers of commerce
- Nonprofits focused on economic empowerment (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with educational and business partners to identify in-demand job skills and apprenticeship opportunities.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored career exploration and resume-building workshop, combined with a mentorship fair matching youth and adults with business leaders and tradespeople.
- Raise funds through a community breakfast or evening event to offer microgrants for certification courses or transportation assistance for job seekers.
- Publicize success stories to inspire participants and enroll future cohorts.
These initiatives will directly address community health and economic needs while positioning Rotary as a catalyst for positive local change.
Certainly! Based on the recent news highlights from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus. Each is designed to meet current community needs and utilizes potential partnerships for greater impact.
1. Community Health Initiative: West Nile Virus Prevention and Education
Context:
Lake County recently reported its first case of West Nile virus for the year, with six cases in the county last year. With mosquito-borne illnesses posing a health risk—especially to seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems—there is a clear need for expanded education, mosquito abatement efforts, and community support to reduce risks.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan Public Works
- Local schools (Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and local youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County Health Department to discuss local risk areas and needed resources.
- Organize awareness campaigns (flyer distribution, school presentations, social media information) about personal protection and eliminating standing water.
- Offer Rotary volunteer teams to distribute free mosquito larvicide dunks in high-risk neighborhoods, prioritizing low-income and senior communities.
- Host a fundraising event to purchase window screens and repellent for those unable to afford them.
- Include an educational component for youth groups, empowering young leaders to share prevention tips with families.
- Track and evaluate outcomes in partnership with the Health Department to measure impact and report results.
2. Environmental and Youth Engagement: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
Context:
Grayslake residents are leading efforts to highlight and protect the monarch butterfly, but broader participation is needed countywide. Monarch butterfly populations continue to decline, and their migration and survival depend on the existence of healthy habitats, including milkweed and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Grayslake Monarch enthusiasts/community group
- Local environmental advocacy groups (Cool Learning Experience in Waukegan, Conserve Lake County)
- Area schools and park districts
- Businesses interested in sustainability initiatives
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Grayslake's monarch group and Lake County Forest Preserves to coordinate efforts.
- Organize a countywide “Monarch Day” with hands-on habitat restoration at multiple parks—planting milkweed and native flowers with the help of local youth and families.
- Develop educational workshops for schools and Rotary Interact/Rotaract clubs, teaching about pollinators and conservation stewardship.
- Launch a fundraising campaign with local garden centers and businesses to sponsor pollinator garden kits for schools and community spaces.
- Publicize the initiative widely to invite volunteers and continually expand preserved habitats.
- Monitor and share data on monarch sightings with partners as a measure of success.
Both opportunities leverage Rotary’s commitment to community health, youth, education, and the environment, and align with immediate needs and emerging interests in Lake County.
1. Rotary Youth Literacy & Academic Excellence Initiative
- Context: Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon 45-round regional spelling bee and will represent the area at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. This event involved hundreds of students from 73 Lake County schools, indicating strong student interest and highlighting educational achievement. Supporting literacy and academic success among youth is a central Rotary goal.
- Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts and PTAs
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local businesses for sponsorship (e.g., bookstores, educational supply stores)
- Next Steps:
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored spelling bee or literacy day, inviting previous top competitors like Visharad Sathish to inspire younger students.
- Establish scholarships or sponsorships to support participation in regional and national academic competitions.
- Create after-school literacy clubs, pairing Rotarians with students for reading, vocabulary building, and confidence coaching.
- Collaborate with libraries to host community “reading challenges” or spelling bee prep workshops, especially for underrepresented schools.
2. Community Health Fair Focused on Youth & Family Wellness
- Context: Recent coverage in Lake County and surrounding communities has highlighted concerns around youth safety and well-being, including ongoing public health issues and the need for proactive education on wellness, substance prevention, and mental health. Rotary’s areas of focus include disease prevention and community health.
- Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local hospitals and clinics (Vista Health System in Waukegan)
- Social service agencies (Youth & Family Counseling, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- School districts
- Local YMCAs and park districts
- Next Steps:
- Convene a planning team with representatives from health providers, schools, and local agencies to identify priority wellness topics (from immunizations to mental health and nutrition).
- Secure a venue such as a high school gymnasium or a park community center in Gurnee or Waukegan.
- Organize free screenings, workshops, and interactive activities for youth and families, such as healthy cooking demos, CPR training, and anti-bullying workshops.
- Engage Rotarians as event volunteers and speakers, and seek local business sponsorships to support giveaways (healthy snacks, sports equipment) or raffle prizes.
- Publicize broadly in advance to maximize reach among local families, particularly those who may be underserved by current health resources.
These projects both leverage current community strengths and address identified needs, strongly reflecting Rotary's mission to support youth development, education, and public health.
1. West Nile Virus Awareness and Mosquito Prevention Initiative
Context:
Lake County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus this season in a resident in their 70s. As heat and stormy weather are expected, mosquito populations are likely to rise, increasing the risk for further West Nile infections, especially among seniors, children, and those with health vulnerabilities. Public health education and access to repellents are community needs that align with Rotary’s "Disease Prevention and Treatment" and "Community Health" areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (providing educational materials and expertise)
- Lake County Forest Preserves (for event space and outreach)
- Local pharmacies or hardware stores (in-kind donations of repellents)
- Local senior centers and schools (distribution points and education sites)
- Youth Interact Clubs (student volunteers for flyer distribution and events)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to the Lake County Health Department's Vector Control program to coordinate a joint awareness campaign.
2. Organize an educational event at a local library, community center, or partner with summer youth programs to provide information about mosquito prevention and West Nile symptoms.
3. Coordinate a repellent drive or distribution—solicit donations from local businesses for spray or other protective items.
4. Mobilize volunteers (including youth) for a “door hanger” awareness campaign, focusing on at-risk neighborhoods and senior living communities.
5. Develop communications (flyers, social media, press release) to publicize events and resources.
2. Food Pantry Support and Nutrition Education for Growing Local Need
Context:
Local news reports indicate that food pantries throughout the Chicago area—including Lake County—are experiencing a spike in demand this summer. Food insecurity remains a critical issue, especially as the cost of living rises. This aligns with Rotary’s "Maternal and Child Health" and "Supporting Education" (through nutrition literacy) areas of focus. There is an opportunity for both direct service (food drive/fundraiser) and community education on nutrition and healthy cooking.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (regional distribution and support)
- Cool Ministries/Waukegan and local pantries (direct service and insight into local needs)
- University of Illinois Extension, Lake County (nutrition education programs)
- Local supermarkets and restaurants (in-kind donations or sponsorship)
- Youth organizations/interact clubs (for volunteer engagement)
Next Steps:
1. Contact local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Warren Township Food Pantry) to assess current urgent needs and capacity for partnerships.
2. Kick off a community food drive with local businesses and schools, focusing on high-need items (as indicated by partner pantries).
3. Organize a fundraising event such as a “Taste of Lake County” with participating local restaurants, proceeds to benefit pantries.
4. Coordinate with U of I Extension or similar organizations to offer a nutrition/cooking class series at a pantry site or community venue—Rotarians and Interact students can help facilitate and promote.
5. Share impact stories via local media and Rotary channels to raise ongoing awareness and attract further community involvement.
Both initiatives address pressing needs in health and hunger, foster community collaboration, and engage partners that expand Rotary’s local impact.
1. Healthy Kids & Families Festival Booth at the Grayslake SummerFest 2025 (Community Health & Youth)
Context:
SummerFest (August 15, 2025) draws large, diverse crowds from Grayslake, Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County. Recent months have seen heightened concern for youth mental health and healthy lifestyle post-pandemic, and SummerFest provides an ideal venue for outreach.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Gurnee Exchange Club (focus on child abuse prevention)
- Local youth sports clubs/4-H Fair (for demonstrations)
- YMCAs (e.g., Hastings Lake YMCA)
- Grayslake and Waukegan schools (for promoting)
- Rotary Interact Clubs (for volunteering)
Next Steps: - Reserve a booth at SummerFest 2025. - Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department to offer free BMI screenings, mental health resource guides, and nutrition/physical activity handouts. - Invite YMCAs and youth sports clubs for interactive demonstrations (like jump rope, soccer drills). - Organize fun activity stations staffed by Interact or Rotaract youth (healthy snacks, mindfulness coloring, quick movement breaks). - Design a family wellness passport: families who visit all stations can enter a raffle (funded by sponsors). - Publicize booth/resources at the 4-H Fair earlier in July to attract more families. - Gather feedback from families and partners to shape future health outreach.
2. Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor: Rotary Green Initiative (Environment & Community Engagement)
Context:
Waukegan’s monthly Waterfront Market (July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26) regularly brings together the community and is ideally located for highlighting environmental issues, especially shoreline pollution and recycling—critical needs for lakeshore towns.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Harbor & Marina (event host)
- Waukegan Park District & Local Adopt-a-Beach Programs
- Illinois Beach State Park volunteers
- Lake County Forest Preserves (educational resources)
- Local schools’ environmental clubs
- Jewel-Osco (already involved in community events)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Rotary Green Booth” at one or more Waterfront Markets with:
- Information on local water conservation, plastic reduction, and recycling.
- Hands-on shoreline cleanup tools—invite visitors to sign up for cleanups.
- Activities for kids: seed planting, pollution-prevention games, eco-crafts.
- Partner with Waukegan High environmental students or Scouts to help staff.
- Coordinate a highly visible shoreline cleanup immediately before/after the Market, with Rotary-branded materials for PR.
- Seek sponsorship for cleanup supplies from local grocers like Jewel-Osco (involved in several area events).
- Share results and photos through Rotary and partner social media—recognizing all volunteer partners.
- Explore longer-term partnerships with Illinois Beach State Park or Lake County Forest Preserves for educational programs tied to the Market.
Based on the recent news highlights from Lake County, IL (including Waukegan and Gurnee), the following Rotary service project and fundraising opportunities align with Rotary's areas of focus and address immediate community needs:
1. Community Health and Environment: "Clean Air for Lake County" Education and Relief Campaign
Context:
A recent pollution alert warned of "unhealthy air quality" in Lake Forest, influenced by smoke from Canadian wildfires. This issue is part of a pattern of environmental health challenges affecting vulnerable groups (children, elderly, those with lung conditions) across Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools (e.g., Woodland District 50 in Gurnee, Waukegan public schools)
- Environmental groups (e.g., Sierra Club, Lake County Forest Preserves)
- Corporate sponsors such as Waukegan Tire
Next Steps:
- Outreach: Contact the Lake County Health Department to coordinate educational events about air quality safety—focusing on practical steps families can take during alert days.
- Fundraising: Organize a community "Clean Air Day" at local parks or libraries, raising funds for portable air filters to donate to schools, senior centers, and low-income households.
- Publicity & Action: Circulate bilingual educational pamphlets in partnership with healthcare and environmental partners.
- Implementation: Recruit volunteers for distribution events and demonstration days on how to read air quality indexes and protect homes.
2. Empowering Youth & Addressing Food Insecurity: "Kids Feed Lake County" Meal-Packing and Mentoring Day
Context:
With the “Help Feed the Need” golf fundraiser by the Hunger Resource Network highlighted, local food insecurity remains a pressing issue, especially during the summer when children may lack access to school meals. Engaging youth as part of the solution also aligns with Rotary's focus on youth empowerment.
Potential Partners:
- Hunger Resource Network
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- School districts (Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Local businesses (Chevy Chase Country Club, where the fundraiser is held)
Next Steps:
- Collaboration: Reach out to the Hunger Resource Network to schedule a special Rotary-coordinated meal-packing event in August, inviting local youth and families to participate.
- Fundraising: Host a "Sponsor-a-Meal" drive through Rotary networks and partner businesses before the event to maximize impact.
- Education: Include workshops for participating youth on nutrition, leadership, and volunteerism—potentially inviting speakers from Lake County Health Department or local chefs.
- Follow-Up: Establish an ongoing Rotary Youth Service Club focused on monthly nutrition- or service-related projects.
Both projects directly address urgent needs in the Lake County area: bad air quality (health and environment) and food insecurity/child enrichment during summer (youth, education). They leverage news-driven community awareness, and, by partnering with established organizations, can quickly transition from plan to action while maximizing Rotary’s impact.
1. Water Safety Education and Drowning Prevention (Community Health, Youth)
Context:
Recent events in Lake County, including the near-drowning of a teenager on the Chain O' Lakes (July 4th weekend, reported by the Lake County Sheriff's Office), highlight ongoing water safety concerns. With multiple lakes and recreational water activities popular in the summer, local families, especially youth, are at risk for water-related emergencies.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit
- Local park districts and swimming pools
- American Red Cross (for water safety programs)
- School districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County areas
Next Steps:
a) Organize free or low-cost water safety clinics for kids and families, possibly at public pools or lakeside parks.
b) Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office to provide water rescue demonstrations and basic life-saving techniques.
c) Secure funding or seek donations (life jackets, swim lesson scholarships) through a fundraising event, such as a “Swim-A-Thon” or family-friendly beach day.
d) Promote the program with local media and school newsletters, ensuring underserved communities have access.
2. Safe Community and Youth Empowerment Initiatives (Peacebuilding, Youth Development)
Context:
Local headlines have included a fatal shooting of a 19-year-old in North Chicago and ongoing concerns about crime (burglaries in Libertyville). In addition, there are worrying child safety issues (as seen in the recent child pornography case in Lake County). Supporting youth with meaningful activities and safety education can help strengthen community bonds and reduce risk factors.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments (community liaison officers)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake County
- Youth services organizations (e.g., Youth Conservation Corps, Urban Initiatives)
- Local schools and churches
Next Steps:
a) Develop and fund afterschool or summer youth leadership programs focused on conflict resolution, digital safety, mentoring, and positive community engagement.
b) Host a “Youth Safety and Wellness Fair,” bringing together police, social workers, community organizations, and parents for informational sessions and resources.
c) Apply for Rotary District Grants to subsidize entrepreneurship or STEM workshops for at-risk youth.
d) Recruit Rotary volunteers as mentors, and partner with law enforcement to build trust and communication with young residents.
Both of these opportunities directly address Rotary’s focus areas of community health, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding, while responding to timely local needs as identified in recent news reports.