Based on the stories from August 13, 2025, and local community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Healthy Cooking and Nutrition Workshops for Families
Rotary Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment; Community Health; Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education
Context:
Recent stories highlight accessible, nutritious, and affordable recipes (such as the no-cook watermelon coconut ice and healthier takes on corn and grilled cheese). Food insecurity and lack of nutrition education remain chronic challenges for many families in north Lake County, particularly in Waukegan. There’s a clear need for practical guidance on preparing healthy, low-cost meals. These workshops would build on local interest in food and nutrition while also addressing hunger and chronic disease prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (active in Lake County)
- Waukegan Public Library (community classes)
- District 60 Family Resource Center
- Local grocery stores/farmers markets (for supplies and ingredients)
- Local chefs or culinary school students
Next Steps:
1. Convene a planning meeting with key partners, focusing on facility space and volunteer educator recruitment.
2. Identify topics—examples: healthy school lunches, affordable produce, recipes for diabetics, and immersion experiences for youth.
3. Raise funds to purchase supplies using a Rotary-organized tasting/food competition event, engaging local restaurants and chefs.
4. Promote courses through school newsletters, social media, and partner agencies.
5. Launch a pilot workshop in Waukegan, then expand to Gurnee or other Lake County sites based on interest.
2. Youth Green Spaces and Sensory Garden Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Environment; Youth; Community Development; Basic Education
Context:
While news stories didn’t specifically focus on the environment, local trends show rising concerns about youth mental health and the need for outdoor, community-based enrichment, especially in urbanized areas like Waukegan and Gurnee. Rotary could support the development of green spaces—such as a public sensory garden or “pop-up” gardens—providing a hands-on, educational, and therapeutic resource for children and families. This aligns with growing recognition of the benefits of outdoor and sensory-based learning, especially for young people impacted by stress or trauma.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District and Gurnee Park District
- Local schools and PTOs (for design input and youth engagement)
- Eli’s Urban Roots (a Chicago-based youth gardening program)
- Lake County Forest Preserves (expertise and promotion)
- Garden centers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Stein’s, etc.) for supplies
- Master Gardeners from University of Illinois Extension
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to park districts to identify possible garden locations and secure preliminary interest.
2. Host a design session inviting local youth and families to share ideas and visions.
3. Write a grant proposal or launch a Rotary community fundraising campaign for plants, signage, tools, and accessible features.
4. Organize a volunteer “garden build” day, drawing on Rotarians, youth groups, and community volunteers.
5. Incorporate regular stewardship events (garden clubs, family days, sensory learning workshops), and measure user impact through feedback and participation rates.
These opportunities will deepen Rotary’s impact by addressing local needs in health, education, and environmental sustainability, while fostering new partnerships with civic, nonprofit, and business stakeholders across Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
1. STEM Education and AI Literacy Initiative for Local Youth
Context:
With Lake County school districts, such as the Highland Park-area district, actively embracing AI and new technology in their classrooms, there is both an opportunity and a need to bridge digital divides and ensure all youth—and especially underserved students in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities—have equitable access to AI literacy, STEM enrichment, and related career exploration opportunities. The rapid adoption of generative AI across area schools calls for broad-based community support to supplement classroom learning, offer hands-on workshops, and connect students to mentors from tech and science fields.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee)
- Youth-focused nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County
- College of Lake County (STEM and career exploration departments)
- Local business sponsors, especially tech-focused employers and, potentially, AbbVie
Next Steps:
- Convene an exploratory meeting with representatives from local schools and libraries to identify technology needs, target student groups, and desired program formats (e.g., coding bootcamps, AI demonstrations, “Tech for Good” projects).
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers with experience in education, technology, and youth mentoring.
- Apply for a Rotary District grant to help fund equipment (laptops, robotics kits), supplies, and program facilitators.
- Launch an afterschool or Saturday “AI for All” club or camp focused on real-world problem solving, ethical AI use, and career paths, culminating in a local youth tech showcase event.
2. Community Health and Wellness Campaign in Partnership with Cancer Awareness Efforts
Context:
Local students like Libertyville’s Jack Treutelaar are raising money for cancer research inspired by personal stories of those affected by cancer in Lake County. Combining Jack’s efforts with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, there is a strong opportunity for a countywide Rotary-led health and wellness initiative. This can amplify fundraising for cancer research and support, while providing direct health education and preventative care resources in underserved communities in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners: - Jack Treutelaar and his campaign (potential blend of mentorship, visibility, and coordination) - Lake County Health Department - Local hospitals (Lake Forest Hospital, Vista Health System) - Cancer research organizations (e.g., American Cancer Society - Lake County Chapter) - Community organizations serving vulnerable populations (e.g., Youth & Family Counseling, Mano a Mano)
Next Steps: - Reach out to Jack Treutelaar and cancer research leaders to coordinate a Rotary charity 5K run/walk or health fair, featuring educational seminars, free cancer screenings, and survivor stories. - Secure corporate sponsorships from local healthcare providers and businesses. - Mobilize Rotarians to assist in event planning, volunteer recruitment, and outreach to neighboring towns (build inclusivity across Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County). - Use the event to promote preventative health screenings and distribute wellness materials, creating sustained partnerships with local clinics for ongoing support programs.
1. Youth Literacy & Academic Excellence: “Spellbound Success” Spelling Bee and Academic Mentor Initiative
Context:
Lake County’s Visharad Sathish, a seventh-grader, is representing the area at the National Spelling Bee after a 45-round regional victory, highlighting academic talent and the value of spelling bees in youth education. Over 73 schools and hundreds of students participated locally, showing broad community engagement and interest in academic competition.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools/districts (Gurnee, Waukegan, etc.)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
- Libraries and youth centers
- Local businesses interested in youth development (for sponsorship)
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to explore how Rotary can support future spelling bees: providing prizes, event volunteers, and refreshments.
- Establish an annual Rotary “Spellbound Success” Award for top local spellers, combined with a scholarship or book stipend.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers as reading, spelling, or general academic mentors for students preparing for spelling and academic competitions.
- Plan fundraising events (like a community spelling bee fundraiser or dinner) to raise money for literacy programs, with proceeds supporting both spelling bee participation and broader youth literacy initiatives (tutoring, book drives, etc.).
2. Advancing Education Equity through Technology: “AI for All” Bridging the Digital Divide
Context:
A Lake County school district is embracing AI technology in the classroom, aiming to be at the forefront of education innovation. However, widespread adoption raises concerns about equitable access, digital literacy, and providing support for both teachers and families—especially in under-resourced areas of Gurnee, Waukegan, and throughout Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- District leadership from Lake County school districts embracing AI
- Local libraries
- Lake County Technology Campus
- Tech companies or local IT businesses
- Community-based organizations focusing on equity and education
Next Steps:
- Connect with school district leaders and educators to identify gaps in access (students or families lacking devices, internet, or digital skills).
- Organize Rotary-led digital literacy workshops for students and parents, covering topics such as AI, online safety, and homework technology.
- Fundraise for devices or software access (laptops/tablets, internet hotspots) for underserved students, potentially through a “Tech for Tomorrow” drive, seeking device donations or local sponsorship.
- Arrange Rotary scholarships for teacher training on educational technology and AI, ensuring educators are equipped to maximize new tools and help all students excel.
- Host an “AI in Education” public forum or demonstration night, bringing together teachers, students, parents, and local experts to inspire, inform, and build community support around responsible innovation.
These initiatives tie directly to Rotary’s areas of focus on education, literacy, and supporting youth, while responding to current local achievements and evolving needs in Lake County.
1. Community Health: Supporting Food Security through a Collaborative Food Drive
Context:
Recent reports highlight that Chicago-area food pantries have seen a significant spike in visits over the past year, indicating persistent and growing food insecurity in Lake County, including Grayslake, Gurnee, and Waukegan. Rotary International's focus on community health directly aligns with addressing hunger and food access.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County, extensive experience in logistics and outreach)
- Local pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries Food Pantry in Waukegan, Warren Township Food Pantry in Gurnee)
- Other local service clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, Lions, Gurnee Exchange Club)
- School districts (such as District 95, recently mentioned in news for transportation services)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a meeting with local pantry representatives and the Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess urgent needs and optimal timing.
2. Approach partner organizations to establish a multi-location, Rotary-branded food drive, possibly during the back-to-school period when needs are high and parent engagement is strong.
3. Develop marketing materials and coordinate with local businesses and schools for collection points.
4. Recruit Rotarians and youth volunteers for logistics—including collection, sorting, and delivery.
5. Launch the drive, with potential for recurring or seasonal repeats based on impact.
2. Youth & Education: School Safety and Wellness Education Initiative
Context:
With the start of the academic year, news has spotlighted both a surge in school transportation organizing (District 95 securing services for Grayslake students) and Illinois State Police reminders about school zone and bus safety. Coupled with reported incidents impacting youth (recent investigation after a girl's death following dental visit), there’s a clear local focus on student safety and holistic well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (District 95, Grayslake District 46, Woodland District 50 in Gurnee, and Waukegan PSD 60)
- Illinois State Police/Public Safety officials
- Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs)
- Dental and health professionals (promoting safe practices following the recent medical news)
- Gurnee Exchange Club and local businesses (for event sponsorship or in-kind support)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to area school officials to collaborate on as-needed educational programming for students and parents on school safety (roadway safety, wellness, hygiene).
2. Work with Illinois State Police to organize assemblies, workshops, or printed resource distribution about safe travel, anti-bullying, and preventive healthcare.
3. Invite local dental and medical professionals to contribute to educational sessions on safe health practices, highlighting lessons learned from the recent tragic incident.
4. Launch a back-to-school “Safety & Wellness Week” in partnership with schools, featuring giveaways (reflective gear, hygiene kits), expert talks, and resource distribution.
5. Assess program outcomes with school leadership to identify ongoing needs or opportunities for further Rotary engagement (e.g., vision/dental screenings, mental health talks).
Context:
On August 16, the Hastings Lake YMCA in Lindenhurst is hosting a FREE Family Back to School Bash. This event likely draws families from throughout Lake County, many of whom may be facing challenges affording school supplies, healthy snacks, or other essentials for a successful school start. Rotary’s focus on education and supporting youth makes this an excellent opportunity to amplify impact.
Potential Partners:
- Hastings Lake YMCA
- Local school districts (Community Consolidated School District 46, Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Local businesses (for in-kind donations, e.g., CG Granite, mentioned in fundraising context)
- Community volunteers
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to YMCA event coordinators to offer Rotary partnership for the Bash.
2. Organize a school supply drive ahead of the event (invite donations at existing Rotary meetings, partner businesses, and markets like the Grayslake Farmers Market).
3. Set up a Rotary table/booth at the Bash for hands-on distribution and engagement.
4. Engage Rotary members and community volunteers to staff the booth, share info about Rotary youth programs (e.g., RYLA, Interact), and gather feedback about future needs.
5. Publicize the project across local news and partner communication channels to increase donations and awareness.
Context:
Hero Park in Round Lake Beach is celebrating its grand opening on August 16. New parks offer great opportunities for environmental enhancement (tree plantings, pollinator gardens), youth engagement, and public health. Aligning a Rotary service project with this event can showcase Rotary’s commitment to the environment and community well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District / Hero Park event planners
- Local environmental groups (Conservation Foundation of Lake County, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners)
- Scout troops, youth groups, and school clubs
- Local nurseries or landscaping businesses for plant/seed donations
Next Steps:
1. Contact Hero Park/park district staff to coordinate a Rotary-sponsored activity at the opening (e.g., native tree planting, “leave no trace” environmental education stations).
2. Recruit Rotary club members and youth groups for hands-on participation day-of.
3. Solicit donations of plants, soil, and supplies from local businesses.
4. Plan an educational element, such as a short talk or demo (how to care for native plants, why pollinators matter), possibly in partnership with a local environmental expert.
5. Promote the event via Rotary channels and social media, and invite the press for visibility.
6. Evaluate post-event for ongoing stewardship, such as quarterly cleanups or student-led garden care.
These projects address immediate educational and environmental needs while building local partnerships and elevating Rotary’s visibility in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County.
1. Air Quality and Environmental Health Initiative
Context:
On July 31, 2025, Lake Forest experienced an Air Pollution Action Day due to hazardous air quality levels. This aligns with rising concerns about environmental health and public awareness, especially as Lake County faces increased pollution alerts during summer. The need for community education and practical support (such as distributing air filtration devices or planting trees to improve air quality) fits Rotary’s focus on both disease prevention and the environment.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department: For expertise, outreach, and data on at-risk populations.
- Lake Forest Open Lands Association or similar local conservation groups: For logistics on native tree planting and environmental stewardship.
- Local schools (District 67/115): Partner for student/parent education events and hands-on involvement.
- Local healthcare clinics: Identify vulnerable residents for support (such as distributing air purifiers or N95 masks).
Next Steps:
- Host an “Air Quality Awareness” fair with expert speakers, distribution of home air quality resources (filters, indoor plants), and sign-ups for at-risk families to receive support.
- Organize a Rotary-sponsored “Clean Air Day” with tree planting in key areas (school grounds, public parks) identified as most needing shade or improved air quality.
- Apply for a Rotary grant to subsidize air filtration devices for local seniors, children with asthma, or low-income residents identified by health partners.
- Launch an educational campaign in conjunction with local schools and the health department about personal strategies during Air Pollution Action Days.
2. School Safety & Youth Wellness Outreach
Context:
Recent reminders from law enforcement about school bus and school zone safety (“School Bus, School Zone Safety: Know The Law In Illinois,” 20 hours ago) highlight ongoing concerns for youth safety and well-being as the school year begins. Additionally, community transitions at the start of the academic year—such as those in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County boards—are an opportune time to reinforce safety messaging, provide resources, and deliver youth-centered programs.
Potential Partners:
- Local Police Departments (Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest): For educational sessions, materials, and traffic safety programs.
- District PTA/PTO groups: To embed training or resources into schools’ start-of-year activities.
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County or YMCA: For extension events and broader youth engagement.
- School bus companies: For joint promotion and on-the-ground logistics.
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with schools and PTAs to deliver interactive assemblies on traffic, biking, and pedestrian safety, possibly including resources like high-visibility backpacks or reflective gear.
- Hold a community “Back to School Safety Fair” that combines road safety demos, parent workshops (on driver distraction, teen driving, safe walking/biking routes), and sign-up sheets for community crossing guard volunteers.
- Use Rotary funds or grants to provide scholarships for youth to attend swimming, CPR, or first aid classes—addressing wellness and accident prevention beyond road safety.
- Collaborate with local press to ensure ongoing safety reminders and feature stories on collaborative safety efforts.
Both initiatives support Rotary’s priorities: the environment, community health, youth safety, and education. They offer high community visibility and strong partnership opportunities at this timely moment in Lake County.
Certainly! Here are two recommended Rotary service initiatives for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County, IL area, in light of pressing recent news and Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Safe Daycare and Child Wellness Initiative
Context:
Recent police investigations in North Chicago uncovered an unlicensed home daycare facility where illegal drugs were being sold. Children were present during police intervention, and DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) is now investigating. This highlights urgent community needs: access to safe, licensed childcare, parental and provider education on child safety, and support for families in at-risk environments.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local police and child advocacy organizations (e.g., Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center)
- Area family resource and counseling centers
- Local schools or churches for community space usage
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with DCFS representatives and child advocates to discuss current gaps and ways Rotary can support outreach.
- Develop an educational workshop series for parents and unlicensed providers about legal daycare requirements, the dangers of unlicensed facilities, and local resources for licensure/support.
- Organize a child wellness resource fair offering free safety checks, information booths, and connections to local support services.
- Explore a fundraising component to provide safety and educational materials, or even small grants for struggling families to access licensure or alternative child care.
2. School Zone and Bus Safety Awareness Campaign
Context:
With the new school year beginning, Illinois State Police have recently issued reminders about bus and school zone laws to ensure children’s safety in transit. Lake County sees a significant daily student commute. Raising compliance and awareness among drivers can prevent tragic accidents, and this aligns with Rotary’s focus on supporting youth and education.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois State Police, Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- PTA/PTO organizations
- Driver’s education instructors and municipal traffic safety boards
- Insurance agencies who may sponsor safety events
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with law enforcement and schools to conduct a “School Safety Week,” with assemblies, signage, and pledges for safe driving in school zones.
- Launch a community-wide poster and PSA contest for students to promote bus and crosswalk safety, with winning entries shared on local media and Rotary social channels.
- Organize volunteer crossing guard recruitment/training events in districts where there may be shortages.
- Identify local businesses to help sponsor durable school zone signage or flashing lights in front of schools with the highest traffic.
Each of these projects directly addresses documented, current needs and positions Rotary as a leading community partner for family and child welfare in Lake County.