After reviewing the available news reports and focusing on Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, the following recent developments present meaningful opportunities for Rotary service or fundraising projects. These align with Rotary’s areas of focus such as youth, education, and community health.
Project 1: Youth Wellness & Community Health Fair in Response to Youth Athletics and School Activities
Context:
Recent coverage highlights high school sports such as Warren football games and the importance of youth activities in local schools. While there is celebration around these programs, there's an increasing nationwide concern about the health and wellness of young athletes, including issues such as sports injuries (concussions, mental health), nutrition, and substance abuse prevention. This is an opportunity for the Rotary Club to play a leadership role in supporting the broader health and wellness of local youth.
Potential Partners:
- Warren Township High School and local school districts (for venue and student outreach)
- Lake County Health Department (for expertise on youth health issues)
- Local youth sports leagues and parent-teacher organizations
- Advocate Condell Medical Center or Lake Behavioral Hospital (medical/mental health resources)
- Gurnee Park District and Waukegan Park District
Next Steps:
1. Establish a Rotary-led planning committee and reach out to school wellness coordinators and athletic directors for collaboration.
2. Connect with health organizations (Lake County Health Dept., hospitals) to secure speakers, screenings, and mental health resources.
3. Recruit local youth to participate as event ambassadors and engage their peers.
4. Secure a suitable public venue and date (ideally during National Youth Sports Safety Month or before a major school sports season).
5. Develop a fundraising plan: sponsorships from local businesses, community grants, and a possible 5K fun run.
6. Promote event inclusivity for all area youth, including non-athletes.
Project 2: Civic Literacy and Fair Maps Awareness Workshops in Partnership with ‘Fair Maps’ Reboot
Context:
With former federal officials Daley and LaHood actively campaigning for bipartisan redistricting (“fair maps”) in Illinois, and widespread community interest in government transparency, there is heightened civic engagement around voting, representation, and fair governance. Many community members—especially youth and seniors—may not fully understand redistricting, how it affects their representation, or how to participate in democracy effectively. Rotary can fill this educational gap and deepen community trust.
Potential Partners:
- Change Illinois or the Illinois League of Women Voters (statewide civic education experts)
- Local public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County
- High school civics/government teachers
- Elected officials willing to offer nonpartisan perspectives
- Local media for publicity
Next Steps:
1. Contact ‘fair maps’ advocates (Daley, LaHood, and related NGO staff) for informational resources and potential speakers.
2. Schedule nonpartisan, interactive community workshops at libraries and schools, with sessions tailored for different age groups.
3. Prepare take-home materials (plain-language guides to redistricting, voting rights, and how to get involved).
4. Consider a youth poster contest or essay competition on “Why Fair Voting Matters.”
5. Solicit Rotary Foundation funding and local sponsorships for workshop materials and refreshments.
6. Measure impact with short surveys and follow-up education opportunities during election years.
Both projects clearly align with Rotary’s commitment to youth leadership, education, and supporting healthy, engaged communities in Lake County.
1. Youth Inspiration Through Aviation and STEM Education
Context:
The recent Northern Illinois Air Show in Waukegan highlighted the desire to "inspire our youth to reach for the stars." Given declining student enrollment at regional universities and a national push to boost STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), there’s a community need to connect local students with educational opportunity and inspiration, particularly leveraging the excitement around aviation.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Air Show organizers
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee District 56)
- College of Lake County STEM faculty and clubs
- EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) local chapter
- Naval Station Great Lakes Education Outreach
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with Air Show organizers and school representatives to design an aviation/STEM career day or mentorship program.
- Identify local aviation professionals and STEM leaders willing to serve as speakers or mentors.
- Seek Rotary grant funding or organize a targeted fundraiser ("Wings & Wonders" gala, aviation-themed dinner, or silent auction) to support scholarships, field trips, or STEM kits for underprivileged students.
- Develop communications materials and coordinate outreach with schools and parent associations to maximize student participation.
2. Community Support and Engagement in Response to Antisemitic Incidents
Context:
A Vernon Hills synagogue was recently targeted with antisemitic graffiti. In addition to direct support for that congregation, this event highlights a broader need to promote community unity, respect, and restorative dialogue, aligning with Rotary's Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution and Community Support focus areas.
Potential Partners:
- Congregation Or Shalom and regional synagogues
- Interfaith groups (e.g., Lake County United)
- Waukegan Police Department’s community liaisons
- Lake County Hate Crimes Task Force
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to synagogue leadership to offer support and co-organize a "Day of Unity" service event, featuring interfaith speakers, student art, and communal mural painting to replace or restore damaged spaces.
- Apply for Rotary District peace-building grants to fund educational workshops for youth on tolerance, anti-bullying, and the history of diversity in Lake County.
- Collaborate with law enforcement and educators to establish a rolling "Unity in Action" program: youth-led service projects, diversity storytime in libraries, and school-based kindness campaigns.
- Publicize efforts via local media and encourage broader community involvement to demonstrate solidarity and reinforce community values.
1. Youth Literacy and Enrichment: Spelling/Reading Program Support
Context:
Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish has advanced to the National Spelling Bee after winning a challenging local competition with participants from 73 schools. This event highlights both the talent and the educational spirit in Lake County, but also hints at the need to cultivate literacy and academic enrichment broadly among local youth, especially those who may not have the same levels of support or resources.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts and the Lake County Regional Office of Education - Lake County libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Library) - After-school tutoring organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Waukegan to College) - Businesses willing to sponsor youth development
Next Steps: - Coordinate with the Lake County Regional Office of Education to identify under-resourced schools for support. - Organize a Rotary Spelling and Literacy Night, including book and dictionary donations, spelling games, and parent education on supporting literacy at home. - Establish a scholarship or micro-grant for promising spellers, with a public fundraising component featuring local businesses and media coverage. - Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers to act as mentors and reading buddies for after-school or weekend literacy programs.
2. Inspiring Youth Through Aviation and STEM Mentorship
Context:
The recent Northern Illinois Air Show in Waukegan expressed a goal to "inspire our youth to reach for the stars." There is clear momentum around STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) exposure for local youth, especially as Waukegan continues to host events that can spark career ambitions.
Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Air Show organizers and the Waukegan National Airport - Local STEM-focused nonprofits or school STEM programs - Lake County high schools and middle schools (especially those serving underrepresented communities) - Area engineering firms, technical colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
Next Steps: - Approach the air show organizers to co-sponsor a Rotary Youth STEM Inspiration Day, including tours, Q&A sessions with pilots/engineers, and hands-on experiments. - Develop a fundraising initiative to provide scholarships for aviation/STEM summer camps or classes, prioritizing students from underserved backgrounds. - Collaborate with local educators to identify students who could benefit most and involve them in project planning for broader engagement. - Invite local STEM professionals, pilots, and engineers (potential new Rotary members) to serve as ongoing mentors for career exploration and leadership development programs.
1. Community Health: Support for Growing Food Insecurity
Context:
A recent story highlighted that Chicago-area food pantries—including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County—have seen a spike in visits over the past year, signaling increased food insecurity in our communities. This aligns with Rotary's focus on community health and fighting hunger.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Local faith organizations
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantry leaders to understand the most urgent needs (e.g., fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, hygiene products).
- Organize a Rotary-hosted food drive, potentially in partnership with a local supermarket. Consider timing it to coincide with a visible community event, such as the Hawthorn Morning Market or a local fall festival.
- Enlist Rotary volunteers, promote through schools and neighborhood groups, and encourage local business sponsorships for matching donation pledges.
- Arrange a “Day of Service” where Rotarians can help sort, pack, and distribute food directly to families in need at local pantries.
2. Youth & Education: Water Safety Awareness Campaign
Context:
The recent jet ski collision on Gages Lake that resulted in injuries highlights the need for improved water safety education, especially for youth and families. With abundant local lakes and water recreation, preventive education could save lives and reduce injury.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves (oversees Gages Lake)
- Local schools (Waukegan, Gurnee, Grayslake school districts)
- Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Unit
- Park districts
- YMCA
Next Steps:
- Meet with Lake County Forest Preserves and local law enforcement to gather input on the most common causes of water accidents and effective safety messaging.
- Develop a Water Safety Awareness campaign targeting families: school presentations, printable resource handouts, life jacket “loaner boards” at popular beaches, and partnerships with local swimming instructors for free or subsidized water safety classes.
- Seek sponsorships from boating and outdoor retailers for safety equipment giveaways.
- Time the campaign to begin in the spring before next summer’s boating season, leveraging school assemblies and park district spring events for outreach.
Both projects directly address critical needs in Lake County—food insecurity and youth safety—and provide meaningful ways for Rotary to make an impact through direct service, community partnerships, and awareness-raising.
Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, inspired by the recent news and events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County, IL:
1. Literacy and Education Support through Community Book Drives
Context:
Multiple used book sales are taking place in Grayslake (e.g., 31 Park Ave, Sept 6 & 27), indicating strong community interest in book access and literacy. Public libraries and non-profits could benefit from increased support, especially for underserved youth in Lake County including Waukegan and Gurnee, where book deserts and reading skill gaps persist. This fits Rotary’s area of focus on Literacy and Education.
Potential Partners: - Grayslake Area Public Library - Waukegan Public Library (noted for serving a diverse population) - United Way of Lake County (has active early childhood literacy programs) - Local schools (e.g., Gurnee District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60) - Existing used book sale organizers
Next Steps: - Connect with local libraries and book sale organizers to assess material needs and opportunities for expansion, especially for children’s and bilingual (English/Spanish) books. - Organize a “Rotary Reads” book drive at popular events (e.g., Grayslake Farmers Market, Waterfront Market at Waukegan Harbor) to collect gently used children’s books. - Set up Rotary-sponsored literacy corners or Little Free Libraries in parks, community centers, or shelters in high-need neighborhoods in Gurnee, Waukegan, and other Lake County communities. - Recruit Rotarians and student volunteers for book sorting, reading days, and delivering books. - Publicize impact stories and outcomes to attract donations and foster community engagement.
2. Mental Health Awareness and Youth Wellness Event
Context:
Mental health needs have increased countywide, and the annual Behind the Mask Gala (benefiting CYN Counseling Center, Sept 26, The Barn at Timber Pointe, Mundelein) demonstrates community concern for youth and family counseling. Many schools and families in Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee, face rising demand for accessible mental health resources. Promoting youth well-being aligns with Rotary’s focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment as well as Supporting Young People.
Potential Partners: - CYN Counseling Center (Gala beneficiary and experienced local mental health provider) - College of Lake County (regularly hosts resource fairs) - Local school districts (e.g., Warren Township High School, Gurnee District 56, Waukegan schools) - Youth-serving organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County) - Healthcare partners (Lake County Health Department)
Next Steps: - Collaborate with CYN Counseling Center and the College of Lake County to sponsor a “Rotary for Youth Wellness” event or expand existing resource fairs. - Secure speakers for youth mental health workshops, peer-support programs, and family education sessions. - Recruit Rotarians as volunteers, event ambassadors, and hosts. - Apply for Rotary District grants to help fund scholarships for counseling sessions and educational materials for youth. - Publicize the event via school newsletters, local media, and partner networks to maximize family and youth attendance. - Evaluate the program’s outreach and impact, and consider annual repetition with expanded services (e.g., onsite mental health screenings).
Both of these initiatives foster community advancement, partner with existing resources, and align with Rotary’s mission and areas of focus.
1. Mental Health Back-to-School Support Initiative
Context:
Recent coverage highlights that the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is focused on helping parents and children adjust to the new school year and manage back-to-school stress. With the increasing importance of mental health—especially for youth—this aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on Community Health and Supporting Education.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago)
- Community mental health providers
- Parent-Teacher Organizations
- Nonprofits such as Lake County United or local chapters of NAMI
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to offer partnership and volunteer support.
- Organize workshops or speaker series on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience for students and parents.
- Coordinate a fundraising drive to provide supplies (journals, resource booklets) or to subsidize professional counseling for families in need.
- Publicize the initiative through local schools and civic centers.
- Consider an annual awareness event during back-to-school season to reduce stigma and connect families to resources.
2. College Scholarship and Youth Empowerment Fundraiser
Context:
A Lake Forest church is holding a charity golf outing to provide scholarships for North Chicago students to attend college. With educational access being a pressing need in Waukegan, Gurnee, and greater Lake County—where many families struggle with college affordability—there’s strong community interest in expanding these opportunities. This fits Rotary’s focus areas of Supporting Education and Growing Local Economies.
Potential Partners:
- The organizing Lake Forest church (contact Rachel Barnes, Patch Staff, for more details)
- Local businesses (such as Waukegan Tire, identified as a community sponsor)
- School administrators/counselors in Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago
- Higher education advocacy groups and local foundations (e.g., Lake County Community Foundation)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the golf outing organizers to discuss collaboration or potential expansion of the event.
- Launch a Rotary-sponsored scholarship fund targeting high-need school districts (with input from school counselors to identify eligible students).
- Develop a mentorship program partnering Rotarians with scholarship recipients for ongoing support.
- Host additional fundraising events such as a community dinner, silent auction, or mini-golf tournament to benefit the scholarship fund.
- Promote the effort through local media and business partners, ensuring wide community engagement and sustainable support.
1. Rotary Injury Prevention and Family Support Initiative
Context:
Recent news highlighted two serious incidents in Lake County: a 56-year-old man died after being trapped under a vehicle while performing maintenance, and both a toddler and a man were struck by a vehicle near Green Oaks. These tragedies underscore a pressing need for community education on at-home safety (especially regarding vehicle maintenance) and pedestrian awareness. Additionally, families affected by such accidents often need immediate and ongoing support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local fire departments (e.g., Libertyville, Mundelein)
- Green Oaks Village Administration
- Local businesses (auto shops, hardware stores)
- Hospitals (NorthShore, Advocate Condell)
- Local schools and parent-teacher organizations
Next Steps:
- Convene a Rotary-led task force with the above partners to assess injury trends and resource needs.
- Organize a county-wide Injury Prevention Day featuring workshops on home/auto safety, child car seat inspections, bicycle helmet fittings, and safe pedestrian practices.
- Fundraise for the purchase of safety equipment (car jacks, wheel chocks, high-visibility pedestrian vests, child safety gear) and establish an emergency assistance grant for families impacted by accidental injury.
- Partner with local media to share educational materials and personal stories to increase community awareness.
- Engage Rotary youth programs (Interact, Rotaract) in campaign planning and peer-led outreach.
2. Rotary Support Network for Immigrant Families
Context:
A marked increase in federal immigration enforcement (ICE operations) in the area, especially using the Great Lakes Naval Base as a regional hub, has caused fear and uncertainty among local immigrant families. Community leaders have urged residents to “know their rights,” reflecting a need for legal education, material resource support, and a safe, welcoming environment for vulnerable populations.
Potential Partners:
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
- Lake County Legal Aid
- Local faith communities and advocacy groups
- Great Lakes Naval Base community liaisons
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts
- Latino and other cultural organizations
Next Steps:
- Partner with legal aid organizations to host free “Know Your Rights” clinics in local schools, libraries, and community centers.
- Fundraise for an Emergency Family Support Fund to provide temporary housing, food assistance, and childcare for families affected by detainment or income loss.
- Collect and distribute resource kits (bilingual information, hygiene supplies, school materials for children) through trusted local partners.
- Engage culturally competent volunteers to offer translation services, outreach, and mentorship.
- Launch a “Rotary Welcomes All” public campaign affirming Rotary’s commitment to supporting all families, and encourage members to serve as connectors to vital services.
- Assess ongoing needs and consider an annual scholarship for children in affected families to continue their education uninterrupted.
Both projects align with Rotary’s focus areas—community health, child and family welfare, education, and supporting vulnerable populations—while addressing current, deeply relevant issues in Lake County.