Certainly! Based on the July 20, 2025 news content, and understanding ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL (which often include youth/family services, literacy, and community wellness), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. "Back-to-School Success" Drive & Tutoring Initiative (Education, Youth Development)
Context:
August marks the return to school for tens of thousands of students in Lake County, including significant numbers in Waukegan and Gurnee. Given ongoing concerns about academic achievement gaps post-pandemic and the importance of safe, supportive learning environments (as highlighted in the recent piece about the Palatine Public Library’s welcoming role), there’s an urgent need for both material support and hands-on tutoring/mentoring for local students, especially those from underserved backgrounds.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Local businesses (supply donation drives)
- Local high school student clubs (student volunteer tutors)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to library and school district directors (e.g., Richard Lee of Waukegan Library) to assess need for tutors and preferred coordination for a school-supplies drive.
- Organize a dual campaign: (a) Collect and distribute backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies; (b) Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers to provide after-school tutoring in math, reading, and STEM at library and school locations.
- Launch the campaign mid-August with a kick-off at the Waukegan Public Library, seek in-kind donations and sponsor recognition (supplies, snacks).
- Publicize via local media and at school registration events.
2. "Clean & Green Lake County" Parks Cleanup and Pollinator Garden Project (Environment, Community Health)
Context:
Lake County’s parks and green spaces are central to community health, but like many areas, they face challenges with litter and habitat degradation. With the summer season in full swing, and increased use of public spaces from Gurnee Woods to Bowen Park (Waukegan), a visible Rotary-led environmental improvement event will boost both ecosystem health and public engagement—also supporting Rotary’s new focus on the environment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves (e.g., Doug Pryor, President)
- Go Green Waukegan or Lake County Audubon Society
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- Local school groups and Scouts
- Landscape/garden centers (plant donations)
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Lake County Forest Preserves and park districts to identify priority cleanup areas and potential pollinator garden sites; set a September date for the main event.
- Recruit Rotarians, families, and youth volunteers for the “Clean & Green Day,” with teams for trash pickup and teams planting native pollinator gardens (milkweed, coneflower, etc.), in partnership with local environmental groups.
- Secure sponsors or donations for tools, plants, snacks, and signage.
- Publicize the event for maximum community participation, and create educational materials about native plants and pollinator support for distribution at the event.
These projects leverage current community needs and recent news context while advancing Rotary’s mission and visibility in Lake County.
1. Community Health: West Nile Virus Prevention & Education Drive
Context: Lake County has just reported its first case of West Nile virus this year (July 17, 2025, Joseph States). Last year, the area saw a significant number of cases, making this an ongoing public health concern. The risk persists during mosquito season and can disproportionately affect seniors, children, and lower-income residents who may lack resources for prevention.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local park districts (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District) - School districts and parent-teacher associations - Local hardware and garden stores
Next Steps: 1. Connect with the Lake County Health Department to coordinate messaging and materials regarding West Nile virus prevention, symptoms, and treatment resources. 2. Organize a Rotary-led awareness campaign, distributing educational flyers, mosquito repellent, and larvicide dunks at public parks, outdoor events, and through community centers in Gurnee and Waukegan. 3. Host informational workshops and Q&A sessions, especially targeting at-risk populations via local senior centers and youth summer camps. 4. Launch a fundraiser (e.g., fun run, online auction) to purchase and distribute prevention supplies, such as personal repellent, window screens for low-income households, and community signage in green spaces. 5. Promote the campaign via social media, local news outlets, and through partnerships with schools for maximum reach.
2. Environment & Youth: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration & Education Project
Context: As highlighted in the July 17, 2025 article by Joseph States, Grayslake residents are passionate about monarch butterflies and their migratory journey—a timely opportunity as monarchs face declining numbers due to habitat loss. This environmental concern is especially relevant with youth and community groups interested in local action and native ecology.
Potential Partners: - Local schools and environmental science teachers - Grayslake Monarch Initiative or similar grassroots groups - Local garden clubs and nurseries - Park districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake) - Scout troops and youth organizations
Next Steps: 1. Coordinate with local schools and environmental groups to identify areas suitable for pollinator gardens and monarch waystations, such as schoolyards, community parks, and Rotary club properties. 2. Host hands-on workshops for students and families about planting native milkweed and nectar plants, monarch biology, and citizen science activities (e.g., tagging and monitoring butterflies). 3. Apply for Rotary and external mini-grants to fund the purchase of plants, garden materials, and signage explaining the importance of local habitats. 4. Organize fundraising events, such as a “Butterfly Fest” with educational booths, local vendor support, and garden tours, with proceeds to support ongoing maintenance and expand the project to underserved neighborhoods. 5. Engage local media and Rotary’s social channels to celebrate milestones, recruit more volunteers, and raise community awareness about environmental stewardship and youth education.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus areas by addressing immediate community health risks and fostering environmental stewardship and youth engagement.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Initiative: “Words Win: Lake County Spelling Champions”
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish is heading to Washington, D.C. for the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning the marathon Lake County Regional Spelling Bee, with 73 schools and hundreds of students participating. The regional buzz over Visharad’s achievement highlights both the dedication of local students and gaps in access to enrichment opportunities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, etc.)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Local media (Lake County News-Sun)
- Education-focused nonprofits
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with schools and libraries to identify students for coaching, mentorship, and spelling/literacy support, focusing on under-resourced communities.
- Organize a fundraising spelling bee event or challenge, featuring local business sponsorships and community participants, to fund materials (books, tutors, entry fees).
- Invite role models like Visharad Sathish to share experiences at Rotary-hosted workshops or literacy nights.
- Launch an annual Rotary-sponsored grant or scholarship for academic competitions, public speaking, and literacy achievement.
- Leverage local media to recruit volunteers and raise awareness.
2. Opioid & Fentanyl Awareness and Prevention Campaign
Context:
Recent news highlighted a Lake Forest woman charged with selling fentanyl that resulted in a fatal overdose—reflecting urgent concerns about opioid misuse and deadly counterfeit substances circulating in Lake County. Community health and safety, especially youth protection, is a pressing area of need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Drug prevention nonprofits (e.g., Live4Lali, Community—The Anti-Drug in Lake County)
- Law enforcement and Lake County Opioid Initiative
- Local high schools and parent-teacher associations
- Hospitals and health providers (e.g., Vista Health System, Advocate Condell)
Next Steps:
- Convene a coalition with local organizations and health leaders to identify specific education and prevention needs.
- Organize a high-visibility Rotary fundraising event (e.g., Fun Run, BBQ, awareness walk) with proceeds to benefit prevention programming, naloxone access, and youth education campaigns.
- Develop and promote a workplace and school-based education series addressing fentanyl, overdose prevention, and community resources, inviting experts and advocates to speak.
- Supply and distribute Narcan (naloxone) kits in collaboration with health partners, combined with training sessions in safe usage for schools and youth organizations.
- Seek grant support from the Rotary Foundation and regional health agencies for sustainability.
1. Community Health and Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention Initiative
Context:
Lake County just reported its first human case of West Nile Virus for 2025 in a resident in their 70s, according to local health authorities. West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are perennial concerns in Lake County, particularly for seniors, children, and immunocompromised community members. Education, preventive actions, and community clean-up can dramatically reduce the risk.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local schools and PTAs (e.g., Grayslake School District) - Homeowners associations in affected neighborhoods - Village of Gurnee and City of Waukegan Public Works - Environmental nonprofits (e.g., Conserve Lake County)
Next Steps: - Contact the Lake County Health Department to discuss community education needs, recent case locations, and available resources. - Organize a community-wide “Fight the Bite” campaign—host workshops at community centers or schools teaching residents to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites (e.g., standing water), distribute free or low-cost mosquito repellent and larvicide tablets, and provide materials in English and Spanish. - Coordinate neighborhood clean-up days, focusing on public parks, vacant lots, and creek beds where water may collect. - Work with municipal partners to install or repair mosquito traps and to promote town-wide efforts through newsletters and social media. - Fundraise through a walkathon or “Mosquito Mile” family fun run to raise money for health kits and educational materials, with local businesses invited to sponsor.
2. Supporting Youth Safety and Engagement at Six Flags and Community Spaces
Context:
Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has reinstated its chaperone policy requiring that attendees 15 and under be accompanied by adults, prompted by safety issues involving unaccompanied youth. This reflects growing concerns about youth oversight, safe recreation, and positive engagement opportunities for teens, especially during the summer months.
Potential Partners: - Six Flags Great America management - Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan Youth Services) - Area schools and after-school coordinators - Gurnee Police Department Community Relations - Parent-teacher associations
Next Steps: - Engage Six Flags management to explore Rotary volunteer “Community Presence” days where Rotary members serve as extra chaperones, mentors, and visible resources for youth in the park (with proper training/badging). - Design a Safe Summer Youth Series: organize ongoing safe, supervised outings and activities for teens—could include field trips, arts nights, or volunteering at events like the Festival of the Arts in Grayslake. - Host fundraising events (like a “Teen Night” at a local business, with a portion of proceeds to fund youth programming and scholarships for those who can’t afford admission to safe events). - Work with local schools and PTAs to promote youth leadership, inviting teen “ambassadors” to co-design programs and spread positive peer messages about safe recreation. - Coordinate with other stakeholders (police, Six Flags security, etc.) to ensure efforts complement official policies and support community trust.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on the recent events and recurring needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Family Literacy and Youth Engagement at Storytime LIVE and Community Events
Context:
With events like “Storytime LIVE at Kiddie Academy of Grayslake” (July 26) and multiple family-oriented summer series happening in Grayslake and Round Lake, the community demonstrates strong engagement around youth and early literacy. Strengthening literacy and family engagement aligns directly with Rotary’s areas of focus, particularly basic education and literacy and supporting families.
Potential Partners: - Kiddie Academy of Grayslake - Local libraries (e.g., Grayslake Area Public Library) - Robert W. Rolek Community Center (Round Lake Area Park District) - Grayslake Farmers Market - Area schools and PTA organizations
Recommended Rotary Project:
Organize a Rotary-supported “Family Reading Festival” or “Literacy in the Park” day, partnering with these organizations and events, providing free books, reading sessions with Rotarians, literacy games, and informational booths on early childhood education. Add book collections at these events, and coordinate volunteers for interactive storytime. Rotary could also hold fundraising drives to support language development supplies for low-income families.
Next Steps: - Reach out to event organizers at Kiddie Academy, Grayslake Area Public Library, and the Park District to propose partnership and available Rotary volunteers. - Connect with local teachers to select appropriate literacy materials. - Set up a fundraising mechanism (e.g., “Adopt a Book” campaign at community concerts or farmers markets) to collect donations. - Publicize Rotary involvement in event listings and on social media to attract participation and donations.
2. Environmental Stewardship and Community Market Collaboration at Waukegan Harbor
Context:
Recurring Waterfront Market events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina (multiple Fridays, including August 22 and September 26) bring community members together. The lakeshore region faces ongoing environmental concerns, and environmental preservation is a Rotary focus.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Main Street and Waterfront Market organizers - Lake County Forest Preserves - Waukegan Park District - Local environmental groups (e.g., Citizens’ Greener Evanston, Sierra Club Lake County) - Jewel-Osco for food-related waste and sustainability education
Recommended Rotary Project:
Host a “Lake County Shoreline Cleanup & Sustainability Fair” in conjunction with one of the Waterfront Markets. Rotary members and market attendees join forces for shoreline cleanup, storm drain marking, native planting, or recycling awareness. A fundraising/educational booth at the market could provide reusable bags, water bottles, and educational materials, with proceeds going toward ongoing conservation efforts in Lake County.
Next Steps: - Contact Waukegan Waterfront Market and environmental non-profits to coordinate date and logistics. - Recruit Rotary volunteers, and develop a promotion schedule to maximize participation. - Secure sponsorship or in-kind donations from local businesses like Jewel-Osco for cleanup materials or zero-waste kits. - Arrange school or scout troop participation for youth community service engagement. - Publicly recognize volunteers and partners after the event, and follow up for future recurring cleanups.
Both projects address current community activities and Rotary’s mission areas, leveraging existing momentum in family and environmental engagement.
1. Lake County "Clean Air & Water" Initiative (Community Health & Environment)
Context:
Recent news reports highlight unhealthy air quality in Lake Forest due to smoke from Canadian wildfires and life-threatening lake conditions caused by hazardous waves. These pose a clear risk to public health and underline a community need for education and resources around environmental safety—especially as heat waves and wildfires become more frequent.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local chapters of environmental organizations (e.g., Sierra Club Illinois)
- School districts and local libraries
- Local municipalities (Lake Forest, Gurnee, Waukegan city governments)
- Waukegan Park District
Next Steps:
- Organize Community Forums & Workshops: Host in-person or virtual events at local schools or libraries on topics like coping with poor air quality, safe water recreation, and how climate change impacts local health (could include info on home air filters, smoke masks, and safe swimming practices).
- Distribute Safety Supplies: Fundraise to purchase and distribute N95 masks and home air quality monitors to vulnerable residents (seniors, families with young children) and life jackets for underserved youth/families.
- Engage Youth: Partner with local schools’ science programs to start a youth ambassador program focused on clean air and water safety.
- Market the Events: Collaborate with municipal/partner social media and place flyers at local rec centers and businesses.
2. “Hunger Resource Network Community Challenge” (Education & Basic Needs)
Context:
Food insecurity remains a challenge for Lake County families. The "Help Feed the Need" event run by the Hunger Resource Network (with an upcoming golf outing August 6) highlights ongoing efforts to address this issue, but broad community engagement and support are still necessary, especially during the summer when school nutrition programs pause.
Potential Partners:
- Hunger Resource Network
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries, Northern Illinois Food Bank Waukegan)
- Local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire—business sponsor)
- School districts in Waukegan and Gurnee
- Youth service clubs and scouts
Next Steps:
- Expand Summer Meal Programs: Coordinate with local schools and food pantries to provide extra meal packs for families during school breaks.
- Volunteer Drives: Organize and publicize volunteer days for Rotarians and community members at the Hunger Resource Network and pantries.
- Fundraising Event Collaboration: Join forces with the Hunger Resource Network for their August golf outing as volunteers or sponsors, adding a Rotary "matching gifts" challenge to double community donations.
- Student Engagement: Launch a "Back to School, Full Plates" campaign, enlisting local youth to run food drives and serve as advocates for summer/school-year hunger awareness.
Both initiatives address current needs, align with Rotary’s focus areas, and offer visible avenues for partnership and impact.
1. Lake County Youth Gun Violence Prevention and After-School Support Initiative
Context:
A 19-year-old was recently killed in a shooting in North Chicago, highlighting the ongoing concern around youth violence in Lake County. The area has experienced repeated issues tied to gun violence, which community leaders and families consistently identify as urgent. This aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, as well as supporting education and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- North Chicago Community Partners
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Police Department’s Youth Outreach
- Local schools and parent associations
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with local law enforcement, educators, and youth organizations to discuss the immediate needs for after-school programs, mentorship, and gun violence education/prevention.
- Develop a fundraising campaign or Rotary grant application to provide mini-grants for after-school and youth leadership programs focused on conflict resolution, life skills, and safe spaces in partnership with existing organizations.
- Organize community forums or peace-building workshops, inviting community members and youth to share their insights and co-create solutions.
- Publicize these activities via local media and Rotary networks to attract more partners and resources.
2. Lake County Safe Waterways and Drowning Prevention Project
Context:
Recent reports highlighted a teen struggling in the water at Chain O’Lakes and another case where a missing man was found dead under a marina dock in Winthrop Harbor. These incidents underscore the seasonal risk of water-related accidents and drownings in Lake County, which is home to many lakes, rivers, and marinas. This opportunity fits Rotary’s areas of focus on saving mothers and children, supporting community health, and promoting safety.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit
- Waukegan Park District
- Gurnee Park District
- SwimSafe Illinois
- Local YMCAs and aquatic centers
- U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (North Illinois units)
Next Steps:
- Initiate contact with local park districts and the Sheriff’s Marine Unit to assess current needs for water safety education and life-saving equipment at high-risk public areas.
- Launch a fundraising campaign to provide free or low-cost swim lessons for youth and non-swimmers in Waukegan, Gurnee, and other Lake County communities.
- Work with partners to install life ring stations, safety signage, and information kiosks at popular lakes and marinas.
- Organize and promote annual water safety days before peak summer activity, featuring demonstrations, take-home materials, and resources on drowning prevention for families and youth.