Based on reported news from August 9, 2025, for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two recommended Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Mental Health & Social Connection Initiative: "Art for Wellness" Pop-Up Events - Context: Inspired by the widely buzzed story of the Chicago man who quit his job to draw lighthearted, "terrible" portraits to encourage connections and spread joy among strangers, there’s an opportunity to address social isolation and well-being in Lake County. Humor and art can break barriers and reach vulnerable community members, including seniors and youth, especially after a period marked by rising mental health concerns. - Potential Partners: Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee), art teachers from Warren Township High School and Waukegan High School, Lake County Health Department, mental health nonprofits like NAMI Lake County, and even directly contacting the featured artist (if available) for an appearance or workshop collaboration. - Next Steps: 1. Reach out to highlighted artist for partnership or inspiration; if unavailable, recruit local artists and volunteers to host caricature or "bad portrait" booths. 2. Connect with local libraries and schools to secure venues and promote mental health resources during events. 3. Schedule pop-up "Art for Wellness" days featuring free humorous portraits, art therapy workshops, and informational booths from community health organizations. 4. Seek grant funding or host a fundraising auction of the most amusing portraits, with proceeds supporting local youth mental health programs.
2. Youth and Family Community Engagement: "Taste of Lake County" Food Festival Fundraiser - Context: With neighboring Batavia hosting its successful “Block Party & Taste of Batavia,” there’s momentum for a similar large-scale event in Lake County—creating opportunities for celebration, showcasing diversity, and supporting local causes. Such an event would directly address community connection as well as fundraising, which could be earmarked for Rotary areas like education or youth leadership scholarships. - Potential Partners: Local chambers of commerce (Gurnee, Waukegan), Lake County Convention & Visitors Bureau, local restaurants, park districts, and area high schools for student volunteer and musical entertainment groups. - Next Steps: 1. Convene interested partners to gauge interest and set a target fundraising goal. 2. Identify a central, accessible outdoor location, such as a Gurnee or Waukegan public park or school grounds. 3. Issue a call for vendors—restaurants, food trucks, bakeries—and performance groups (music, art, youth talent). 4. Market the event as both a fundraiser (entry fee, food ticket sales) and a chance to celebrate community, with clear messaging that funds will support Rotary priorities like scholarships or literacy initiatives. 5. Incorporate a Rotary community booth offering info on the club’s work and on-site signup for future service projects.
These programs align with Rotary’s focus areas of community health, education, and youth, meeting current local interests and needs.
1. Community Health Project: West Nile Virus Awareness and Protection Initiative
Context:
Recent stepped-up spraying to combat West Nile virus in Lake County indicates rising public health concerns. News reports emphasize “All … residents should take precautions to protect themselves,” signaling the need for proactive education and community initiatives, especially for vulnerable populations such as seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan and Gurnee Park Districts
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools)
- Area senior centers and community churches
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake County Health Department to identify at-risk communities and coordinate messaging.
- Organize informational workshops at community centers and schools, providing free mosquito repellant packets and outreach materials in English and Spanish.
- Develop a volunteer program (Rotarians and Interact Clubs) to help distribute mosquito dunks for standing water, especially to seniors and low-income households.
- Seek sponsorships or donations from local businesses (such as Walgreens or Home Depot for repellants or prevention kits).
- Promote through local media and neighborhood associations.
2. Youth and Education Project: “Shoot for the Moon” STEM Youth Inspiration Day
Context:
The recent death of Apollo 13 astronaut and local hero James Lovell, highlighted in area news and commemorated at places like the Adler Planetarium, offers an inspiring opportunity to celebrate Lovell’s legacy in Waukegan (his longtime home area) and Lake County. This could inspire local youth to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Potential Partners:
- Adler Planetarium’s education outreach team
- Waukegan Public Library and District 60 schools
- College of Lake County STEM faculty and students
- Local science museums (such as the Science and Industry Museum’s education wing)
- Local aerospace or engineering businesses
Next Steps:
- Convene an organizing committee with representatives from partner organizations and local educators.
- Coordinate a “Shoot for the Moon” STEM day, including hands-on science exhibits, local NASA speaker presentations (potentially with virtual appearances by astronauts or engineers), and Lovell-themed activities.
- Offer scholarships or contest awards for student science fair projects tied to space exploration or innovation, with support from local businesses or Rotary fundraising events.
- Publicize the event through school channels, local press, and Rotary networks to maximize participation and impact.
- Follow up by establishing ongoing STEM mentorship or club partnerships in local schools.
Both projects address Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention and treatment, and basic education and literacy/youth development, while directly responding to current needs and news in Lake County communities.
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish recently won a marathon local spelling bee and will represent the county at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. Seventy-three Lake County schools and hundreds of students participated in local sectionals, indicating strong student interest and community engagement in literacy and academic achievement.
Potential Rotary Project:
The Rotary clubs of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County can create an annual “Rotary Spelling & Literacy Scholarship Program.” This initiative could:
- Award scholarships or book grants to top performers in the local spelling bees from area schools.
- Launch an after-school mentorship and tutoring program focused on spelling, vocabulary, and reading skills, utilizing Rotary members and community volunteers as mentors.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (organizers of the bee) - Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56) - Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library) - Parent/teacher organizations
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to the Lake County Regional Office of Education for partnership and to identify key coordinators. 2. Set up a planning meeting with local educators and librarians to determine highest literacy needs. 3. Recruit Rotary club members and local high school/college volunteers for mentorship programs. 4. Develop criteria for scholarships/grants and launch an awareness campaign. 5. Host an annual award ceremony to celebrate student achievement and community support.
Context:
Lake County officials have announced an increase in spraying to combat West Nile virus, urging all residents to take precautions. This indicates an immediate public health concern and the need for comprehensive community education and support, especially for vulnerable populations.
Potential Rotary Project:
Organize a “Rotary Safe Summer: Mosquito Safety & Prevention Campaign,” focusing on:
- Distributing free mosquito repellent sprays and educational materials in high-risk neighborhoods, especially near Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Hosting community workshops on home and yard mosquito control, and West Nile virus prevention strategies.
- Supporting clean-up initiatives to eliminate standing water in parks and vacant lots, reducing mosquito breeding sites.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Local environmental organizations (e.g., Lake County Forest Preserves) - Municipal governments of Waukegan and Gurnee - Local outdoor retailers or pharmacies for repellent supplies
Next Steps: 1. Meet with Lake County Health Department officials to coordinate messaging and target areas with the highest cases. 2. Secure in-kind donations or discounted supplies from local retailers. 3. Schedule and promote neighborhood workshops and clean-up events, engaging schools, scout troops, and youth groups for broader impact. 4. Evaluate campaign results with feedback from partners, tracking distribution and reduction in local mosquito breeding sites and awareness levels.
These initiatives directly support Rotary’s areas of focus in education, youth development, community health, and the environment, while addressing timely and locally relevant needs.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area, based on recent news and community needs, each aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health Education and Safety: Pediatric Dental and Medical Awareness Initiative
Context:
The recent, highly publicized death of a young girl, Sophia Farmer, following a dental visit in Grayslake has raised local concerns about pediatric dental and medical safety. Community members may feel anxious or uninformed about what to expect during dental procedures and how to recognize medical emergencies. Rotary International prioritizes disease prevention and health education, making this issue an opportunity for meaningful service.
Potential Partners:
- Local dental clinics (e.g., the clinic at 875 E. Washington St., Grayslake)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local pediatricians and medical consultants
- School districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake
- Advocacy groups focused on children's health and safety
Next Steps:
- Meet with Lake County Health Department and local dental/medical professionals to develop age-appropriate educational materials (flyers, presentations in schools, informational videos).
- Organize a community forum or series of workshops for parents and caregivers about dental and medical safety, emergency preparedness, and how to ask the right questions during appointments.
- Distribute information through schools and public libraries; offer free dental safety kits or free screening days at local clinics as part of the outreach.
- Publicize the program through local media and at events, such as Ribfest and the Lake County Job Fair, to reach a wide audience.
2. Food Security: Supporting Local Food Pantries Amid Increased Demand
Context:
Recent reports highlight a noticeable surge in visits to Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County. Hunger and food insecurity have direct impacts on health, learning, and family stability, all strongly aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus, particularly in supporting mothers and children and growing local economies.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake, Gurnee, and Waukegan food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partner sites)
- Local businesses and faith organizations willing to sponsor donation drives
- Schools and service clubs to mobilize youth volunteers
- Lake County Community Foundation
Next Steps:
- Contact food pantries to assess specific needs (food, funds, hygiene items) and identify busiest times or locations.
- Organize regular food (and essential supplies) drives, leveraging Rotary events or partnering with high-traffic events (such as Ribfest or school activities) for maximum impact.
- Launch a fundraising campaign ("Lake County Fights Hunger") involving local businesses and service-minded students, with proceeds going directly to food pantries serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake.
- Arrange “hands-on” service days, where Rotary members and volunteers help sort, pack, and distribute food at pantries.
- Publicize ongoing needs and successes via Rotary newsletters, Patch, and public events to maintain momentum and support.
1. Back-to-School Supply & Wellness Fair in Partnership with Hastings Lake YMCA
Rotary Focus Areas: Supporting education, community health, and youth development
Context:
The "Hastings Lake YMCA FREE Family Back to School Bash" (August 16, Lindenhurst) provides a timely setting, as families gather to prepare for the upcoming school year. Education and health remain top needs in Lake County, especially post-pandemic, with students from under-resourced households lacking adequate supplies and routine health checks before school begins.
Potential Partners:
- Hastings Lake YMCA (hosts the event)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Lake County Health Department (for onsite wellness checks/vaccines)
- Local businesses for sponsorship or in-kind donations (e.g., Target, Staples, Walgreens)
- United Way of Lake County (experience in school supply drives)
Next Steps:
1. Contact Hastings Lake YMCA for partnership and space allocation during the Back to School Bash.
2. Recruit volunteers and seek donations of school supplies (backpacks, notebooks, pens, calculators, etc.) and hygiene kits.
3. Coordinate with the Lake County Health Department to offer free/low-cost immunizations, dental, or vision screenings onsite.
4. Host a collection drive in the weeks leading up (promote through social media and community partners).
5. Brand the initiative as a Rotary-supported event. Provide Rotary information tables to engage families and promote service opportunities.
2. Waterfront Environmental Stewardship Project at Waukegan Harbor
Rotary Focus Area: Protecting the environment, building sustainable communities
Context:
The "Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor and Marina" (August 22) highlights the continued community use of Lake Michigan’s shoreline for recreation and commerce. However, waterfronts in Lake County face ongoing issues with litter, invasive species, and degraded habitats. Community stewardship is crucial to sustaining these natural resources.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District/Harbor & Marina
- Lake County Forest Preserve District
- Local environmental groups (e.g., Alliance for the Great Lakes, Lake County Audubon Society)
- Scout troops and youth groups
- Sustainable businesses (e.g., recycling companies, green tech vendors at the Market)
Next Steps:
1. Connect with the Waterfront Market organizers to schedule a Rotary cleanup and eco-education booth in conjunction with the August 22 event.
2. Organize a shoreline cleanup involving volunteers (Rotarians, families, local students, and market-goers).
3. Provide educational materials about water quality, recycling, and Great Lakes conservation at a Rotary table during the market.
4. Explore installation of durable recycling bins or pollinator plantings along the harbor’s public spaces as a follow-up project.
5. Publicize results and stories through local media to attract new members and future partners.
1. Clean Air and Healthy Community Initiative
Context:
A recent Air Pollution Action Day was issued for Lake Forest due to hazardous air quality, indicating ongoing environmental and public health concerns in Lake County. Poor air quality disproportionately affects children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory issues. There is an opportunity for Rotary to address both immediate health education and long-term environmental action (aligning with Rotary’s focus on "Fighting Disease" and "Supporting the Environment").
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local schools (e.g., Lake Forest and Waukegan public school districts)
- Environmental advocacy groups (such as Sierra Club—Waukegan chapter)
- Local businesses concerned about sustainability (e.g., Waukegan Tire, as a visible community partner)
- Municipal governments (Gurnee, Waukegan, Lake Forest environmental offices)
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with health officials and school representatives to identify top community health priorities related to air quality.
- Organize an Air Quality Awareness Day with educational booths, distribution of N95/KN95 masks, and workshops on minimizing exposure to air pollution.
- Launch a fundraising campaign for school-based indoor air purifiers for classrooms most affected by poor air quality days.
- Consider a tree-planting or urban greening project for longer-term pollution mitigation, leveraging Rotary volunteers and potential local business sponsorships.
- Coordinate publicity and volunteer outreach via Patch, municipal newsletters, and school communication channels.
2. Safe Families and Healthy Relationships Project
Context:
A recent incident in Lake County involved a woman being violently assaulted and found unconscious in the roadway. This highlights ongoing safety and domestic violence issues in the region. Rotary can help address this urgent community need by supporting efforts for safer families, healthy relationships, and violence prevention—matching Rotary’s focus on "Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution" and "Maternal and Child Health".
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments
- A Safe Place (Lake County’s domestic violence shelter and advocacy nonprofit)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Support Services
- Local hospitals and health clinics
- School districts for youth relationship education initiatives
Next Steps:
- Meet with A Safe Place and local law enforcement to identify resource gaps and immediate needs (such as shelter supplies, advocacy, or victim services).
- Develop a fundraising plan to support shelter operations, emergency hotel stays, or victim assistance kits (personal hygiene, clothing, etc).
- Organize community awareness workshops in collaboration with schools and local agencies about healthy relationships, violence prevention, and available resources.
- Train Rotary volunteers to support or staff local hotlines, events, or community resource fairs.
- Promote service and fundraising initiatives through Patch, faith communities, and local businesses to achieve maximum impact and engagement.
1. Rotary Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Initiative for Youth and Veterans
Context:
Recent tragic events at the Great Lakes Naval Station, including the death of recruit Kayshawn Wilkerson from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, underscore urgent mental health needs among young adults and service members in Lake County. Nationally, discussions about suicide prevention and expanded mental health access are intensifying, and this incident brings the conversation home to Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding communities heavily connected to the military.
Potential Partners:
- Lovell Federal Health Care Center (serving veterans and Navy families in North Chicago/Waukegan)
- Great Lakes Naval Station (chaplaincy, Family Readiness)
- Lake County Health Department, Behavioral Health Services
- NAMI Lake County
- Local high schools and colleges (Waukegan High, College of Lake County)
- Community churches and youth organizations
Next Steps:
- Schedule an open community forum or “Rotary Cares” evening with mental health experts for veterans, youth, and their families, aiming for a safe and supportive environment.
- Launch a fundraising campaign to subsidize local mental health first aid and suicide prevention trainings (QPR, Mental Health First Aid) for students, parents, and youth workers.
- Organize a “Rotary Walk for Hope” event at a local park or the college campus with partner organizations to fundraise, honor those lost, and raise awareness.
- Advocate for local school districts and the base to strengthen preventive resources and peer support initiatives; consider grantmaking or supplying materials.
2. Rotary Safe Care & Early Childhood Education Support
Context:
Recent news reports detail the operation of an unlicensed home daycare in North Chicago where drugs were allegedly being sold, and children were present. This is a critical concern for child safety and equitable access to high-quality, licensed childcare in Lake County, especially for working families in Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago. This intersects Rotary’s focus areas of education and child health.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois DCFS (Department of Children & Family Services)
- United Way of Lake County’s Success By 6 Initiative
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Waukegan, Round Lake)
- Waukegan Public Library (family literacy)
- YWCA Lake County (childcare resource & referral)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
Next Steps:
- Host a series of free “Safe Care for Lake County Kids” workshops for parents and caregivers about choosing quality childcare, spotting red flags, and accessing affordable licensed care.
- Develop and distribute multilingual resource packets (print and online) about licensed childcare options, DCFS reporting, and early learning opportunities, potentially funded through a Rotary grant.
- Partner with United Way and the Lake County ROE to provide scholarships/mini-grants supporting families with application fees to licensed providers or supporting needed background checks for aspiring caregivers.
- Facilitate a community roundtable to identify barriers to accessing licensed care and work with partners to advocate for policy change and support network expansion.
Both projects respond directly to recent news and critical community needs, leverage Rotary’s network, and align with the organization’s key focus areas.