Certainly! Based on the September 9th, 2025, news stories and the context of Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s key focus areas:
1. Community Health Initiative: Mold Awareness & Remediation Support Program
Context:
A local news story highlights buyers in Lake County who discovered undisclosed black mold in their new home's basement. Mold exposure can lead to serious respiratory and health issues, especially impacting children and older adults, and it may be prevalent in many older homes in the region. The need for community education on detection, prevention, and affordable remediation is clear.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local home inspectors and real estate agencies
- Mold remediation companies (e.g., ServiceMaster, local businesses)
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
- Public libraries (for info sessions)
Next Steps:
1. Organize a Rotary-sponsored “Healthy Homes” education day, including free public seminars about mold risks, signs, and safe cleaning/remediation practices.
2. Partner with mold remediation and inspection professionals to offer free or discounted home inspections to low-income families and seniors.
3. Fundraise for an Emergency Mold Remediation Assistance Fund, administered via a vetted community nonprofit partner.
4. Develop outreach materials in both English and Spanish for distribution at schools, libraries, and online.
5. Secure volunteers for home visits or support for families in urgent need.
2. Nutrition & Food Education: Reducing Harmful Additives in Youth Diets
Context:
A featured news article discusses the dangers of certain food additives commonly found in ultra-processed foods, noting health risks and the importance of public awareness. With nutrition and food security ongoing concerns in parts of Waukegan and Gurnee, a program focused on healthy eating, label literacy, and hands-on meal-building would directly benefit local youth and families.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Park District & Gurnee Park District
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- School District 60 (Waukegan) and local PTA/PTOs
- University of Illinois Extension (nutrition education programs)
- Local supermarkets and health food stores
Next Steps:
1. Launch a Rotary-backed “Smart Eating for Life” program, holding interactive workshops at schools, community centers, or park districts. Focus on reading labels, recognizing additives, and simple, affordable healthy recipes.
2. Secure a partnership with local chefs or nutritionists for demonstration cooking classes, possibly featuring healthy versions of popular foods (building off the interest in the provided recipes).
3. Pursue grant or business sponsorships to provide participating families with pantry starter kits (beans, whole grains, fresh produce).
4. Create student-led advocacy groups or poster contests to encourage peer-to-peer healthy eating messaging.
5. Evaluate program reach and participant outcomes, sharing successes and opportunities for expansion with other Rotary clubs in Lake County.
These projects support Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention, maternal and child health, education, and economic/community development. Both address immediate community needs, leverage local partners, and provide clear opportunities for fundraising and service.
1. Education Access & Youth Support: Rotary Scholarship Fundraiser for Mundelein, Waukegan, and Lake County Students
Context:
Recent reporting highlights that student enrollment at Illinois’ regional universities is plummeting, with particular concern for local students’ access to higher education ("Student enrollment at Illinois’ regional universities is plummeting and solutions are hard to come by," Jeremy Gorner, Sept. 6, 2025). At the local level, the Mundelein Arts Festival annually provides $2,000 in scholarships for art students. There is a growing, documented need for broader support to help students—especially from diverse and underserved backgrounds—pursue education and training after high school.
Potential Partners:
- Mundelein Arts Festival committee & Mundelein Park & Recreation District
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Local colleges (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Businesses and philanthropic organizations (e.g., Lake County Community Foundation)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with festival organizers, school representatives, and local colleges to assess specific scholarship needs and student interests (not just arts, but STEM, technical trades, etc.).
- Design a Rotary-led fundraising drive (dinner, virtual auction, or partnership with the festival) with a goal to expand the number and diversity of scholarships for Lake County students.
- Recruit sponsors and solicit donations; coordinate student outreach through schools and local media.
- Establish a transparent application and selection process with Rotary oversight and community participation.
2. Community Health & Safety: Rotary Resource Fair and Emergency Preparedness Outreach
Context:
Recent ICE actions, protests, and event cancellations surrounding Mexican Independence Day ("Mexican Independence Day events canceled amid looming ICE surge," Angela Mathew, Sept. 6, 2025) point to heightened anxiety and resource needs among immigrant and underserved communities in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Gurnee. The public health and safety concerns in such climates are significant, with families sometimes avoiding public events and services out of fear, leading to disconnectedness and unmet needs for everything from mental health support to basic health screenings and emergency preparedness.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local social service agencies (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Catholic Charities)
- Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments (Community Affairs)
- Compassionate immigration law practitioners
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the above partners to organize a multi-lingual Resource Fair in a trusted, neutral community setting (e.g., community center, church, or library).
- Offer health screenings, flu shots, legal and mental health clinics, and safety workshops (basic emergency planning, family preparedness, etc.).
- Recruit volunteer interpreters and promote the event with assurances of safety and confidentiality.
- Fundraise in advance for supplies, medical staff stipends (if needed), and communication materials to maximize outreach and participation.
1. Youth Academic Achievement Initiative - Spelling & Literacy Support
Context:
The recent success of Lake County seventh grader Visharad Sathish, who won a marathon 45-round spelling bee and will represent Lake County at the National Spelling Bee, spotlights both the presence of strong young talent and the importance of literacy and academic enrichment across the region. With participation from 73 Lake County schools and hundreds of students, there is clear interest in academic competitions and potential to expand support for educational excellence, especially in under-resourced schools.
Potential Rotary Partners: - Local school districts (especially Lake County Regional Office of Education) - Libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library) - Educational non-profits (e.g., Reading Power Inc., United Way of Lake County) - Local spelling bee coordinators and teachers
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with school and library partners to assess needs for afterschool spelling, reading, and literacy clubs.
- Launch a grant or mentorship program for students preparing for spelling bees or other academic challenges, focusing on schools with fewer resources.
- Organize a community spelling bee or family literacy night as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting tutoring or book donations.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to serve as judges, coaches, or mentors.
- Publicly recognize students like Visharad Sathish as “Literacy Ambassadors” to inspire peers.
2. Wellness and Resiliency Campaign for Youth and Families
Context:
A variety of headlines highlight the stresses that youth and families face, including academic competition, social challenges, and community health needs. Currently, many children, including those excelling like Visharad, experience pressure that comes with high-level competition. There is an opportunity for Rotary to support youth well-being holistically, promoting both achievement and health (physical, mental, and emotional).
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Local school counselors and social workers
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center)
- Park districts and YMCA (for wellness event venues and outreach)
- Local healthcare providers (Advocate Aurora Health, Lake County Health Department)
Next Steps: - Survey schools to assess needs in wellness, stress-management, and resiliency education for students and families. - Plan a “Youth Wellness Fair” concurrent with academic events, offering workshops on mindfulness, healthy study habits, and stress reduction. - Develop a small Rotary-funded scholarship/award for students demonstrating resilience and balanced achievement. - Offer parent and youth seminars on balancing excellence with well-being, partnering with local experts. - Seek community sponsors for family fitness events, with registration fees supporting youth mental health services in Lake County.
These opportunities align with Rotary’s focus on education, health, and supporting youth, and have strong potential for impactful partnerships and visibility in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and wider Lake County communities.
1. Community Health Initiative: Supporting Local Food Pantries Amid Rising Demand
Context:
Recent news reports indicate that Chicago-area food pantries—including those in Lake County—have seen a significant spike in visits over the past year. This reflects increased food insecurity among local families, possibly due to inflation, layoffs, or other economic pressures. Addressing hunger directly aligns with Rotary’s area of focus on community health and fighting disease by supporting proper nutrition.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (Lake County branch)
- Libertyville Township Food Pantry
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s)
- Faith-based organizations (local churches, synagogues, mosques)
- College of Lake County (student involvement/volunteers)
Next Steps:
- Contact local food pantries to identify immediate needs (nonperishable items, diapers, hygiene products).
- Organize a Rotary-led food/fund drive with collection sites in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake.
- Use community events (e.g., the One-Man Volleyball Team vs. Grayslake Police & Fire, Used Book Sale) as venues for donation collection and awareness.
- Publicize the drive via Patch, social media, and local schools.
- Arrange for Rotary volunteers to assist with sorting, packing, and distributing food to families in need.
2. Youth & Education Empowerment: After-School Enrichment Support Inspired by CLC Student Success
Context:
The story of College of Lake County student Anthony Guzman, who recently completed a prestigious fashion internship in Paris, highlights the value of access to enrichment and career opportunities for local youth. Many students across Waukegan and Lake County lack access to mentorship, career guidance, and extracurricular programming. Rotary can help bridge this gap, fostering education and economic development.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (student mentors/ambassadors)
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts
- Local creatives, businesses, and professionals (fashion, music, STEM fields)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Grayslake Library, local community centers
Next Steps:
- Develop a series of after-school workshops or “career exploration days” with CLC student ambassadors and local professionals.
- Focus topics could include fashion, STEM, music, or trades, tailored to students’ interests.
- Seek in-kind donations for supplies (art materials, instrument rental, etc.) from area businesses.
- Coordinate with school administrators and youth organizations for recruitment.
- Measure impact and share student stories to inspire broader participation and potential future Rotary scholarship initiatives.
1. Rotary Youth Literacy & Learning Initiative (Book Drive and Tutoring Support)
Context:
Grayslake and the wider Lake County area are hosting several events that highlight a focus on learning, education, and youth enrichment, such as the Used Book Sale (September 27, Grayslake) and multiple creative and educational workshops at the Grayslake Area Public Library (e.g., Book Binding Workshop on September 24, Escape Room educational events). With libraries being active community centers and recurring book/education events, there’s an ongoing need to support literacy, youth learning, and equitable access to books. The presence of the 4th Annual Behind the Mask Gala benefiting CYN Counseling Center (focused on youth/family wellness) suggests a community already invested in supporting children and families.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Area Public Library
- CYN Counseling Center
- Local schools and Parent-Teacher Associations
- Lake County Area Computer Enthusiasts (LCACE, for tech-literacy)
- Local bookstores (to donate unsold inventory)
Next Steps:
- Meet with library leadership and event coordinators to identify their greatest unmet needs (e.g., children’s books, after-school tutoring, tech-literacy kits).
- Organize a Rotary-led countywide book and learning resources drive, culminating with volunteer support at the library’s Used Book Sale.
- Recruit and train Rotary volunteers to provide reading/tutoring sessions at Grayslake or Waukegan library branches, in partnership with LCACE for digital literacy components.
- Promote the drive and tutoring program through Patch, school newsletters, and participating community events.
- Seek grant funding through Rotary International’s Literacy focus for sustaining the tutoring program.
2. Community Health & Wellness Festival (with First Responders and CYN Counseling Center)
Context:
Recent events highlight the vital role of first responders (e.g., the One-Man Volleyball Team vs. Grayslake Police & Fire, September 13) and the importance of mental health access (Behind the Mask Gala for CYN Counseling Center). As the area heads toward the fall season, and with regular Community Cares Resource Fairs and health-adjacent programming, there’s an opportunity to further community wellness, leveraging Rotary’s strengths in health and local partnerships.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Police & Fire Departments
- College of Lake County (event venue and student volunteers)
- CYN Counseling Center
- Local hospitals/clinics (e.g., Vista Health System in Waukegan)
- Local fitness and wellness businesses
Next Steps:
- Reach out to College of Lake County and first responder teams to organize a fall Community Health & Wellness Festival.
- Collaborate with CYN Counseling Center to offer mental health screenings and resource booths.
- Include family-friendly fitness activities (building on the volleyball match’s community spirit), flu shot clinics, fire safety demos, and healthy cooking demos.
- Invite local wellness vendors and nonprofit partners.
- Apply for a Rotary District Grant to subsidize free health screenings and family health education materials.
- Promote the event using Patch and through community partners, offering volunteer opportunities to students and Rotary members.
1. Back-to-School Mental Health & Wellness Fair
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board recently highlighted a need to help parents and children adjust to the new school year, citing back-to-school stress as a significant concern. Mental health and emotional wellbeing for youth are critical community needs as identified by local agencies.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (e.g., Woodland, Warren, Waukegan, Gurnee Districts)
- Youth mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department Behavioral Health)
- Local businesses (for event sponsorship or healthy snacks)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to coordinate planning and identify specific needs for students (e.g., workshops, resource tables, parent seminars).
- Secure a venue such as a community center or local school.
- Recruit Rotarians and community volunteers to help with event logistics, workshop facilitation, and outreach.
- Invite mental health professionals and local agencies to provide resources and direct support at the event.
- Develop a publicity plan to engage students and families across Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
- Consider a fundraising component to support ongoing mental health education in local schools, such as mindfulness programs or counselor stipends.
2. Scholarship Fundraiser in Partnership with Local Churches and Schools
Context:
A Lake Forest church (unnamed in the article) is hosting a charity golf outing to send five North Chicago students to college for free, highlighting both the region’s educational funding gaps and community desire to help local youth attain higher education.
Potential Partners:
- Local churches already supporting scholarships (e.g., the one hosting the Lake Forest golf fundraiser)
- North Chicago and Waukegan School Districts
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Local businesses for sponsorship or in-kind gifts
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake Forest church involved in the golf outing to discuss supporting or expanding the initiative to include more students or neighboring communities like Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Organize an annual Rotary-backed fundraiser (could be a golf outing, dinner gala, or online auction), with proceeds going to scholarships for underserved local students from partner schools.
- Establish a scholarship committee (including Rotary members, educators, and community leaders) to set criteria and oversee awards.
- Develop relationships with area businesses and philanthropists for matching donations or ongoing support.
- Promote the scholarship program across Lake County high schools to ensure broad access and visibility, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to education and youth development.
Based on the recent news and ongoing needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus are:
1. Community Safety & Support for First Responders and Residents Affected by Fires
Context:
A recent house fire in Mundelein resulted in injury to a police officer (as reported by Amie Schaenzer for Patch). Incidents like these often leave both first responders and affected families in need of immediate and ongoing support, whether logistical, emotional, or material. Additionally, such emergencies underscore the importance of fire safety education and mental health resources for first responders.
Potential Partners:
- Mundelein Police and Fire Departments
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville)
- Local Red Cross Chapter
- Lake County Mental Health Coalition
Next Steps:
- Meet with Mundelein first responders to assess needs for equipment, community education, or support services.
- Plan a fundraiser (such as a charity walk, benefit dinner, or online campaign) to raise money for fire safety equipment and mental health resources for first responders.
- Organize fire safety and prevention workshops for the public, potentially in partnership with the local fire department and schools.
- Explore working with local hospitals or clinics to provide counseling services for affected families and responders.
2. Youth and Community Health Through Traffic Safety Initiatives
Context:
A recent report of a toddler and a man struck by a vehicle near Green Oaks (Route 176 and Ashford Drive) highlights urgent traffic safety issues that can have severe consequences for children and families. Protecting vulnerable road users fits within Rotary’s areas of disease prevention and child health—reducing accidents, promoting safe walking/biking to school, and supporting recovery for victims.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs)
- Village of Green Oaks/Libertyville Public Works
- Safe Kids Lake County
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with local municipalities to identify high-risk areas for pedestrian accidents and advocate for safety improvements (crosswalks, signage, speed bumps).
- Host or sponsor a “Walk and Bike Safety Day” at local schools, distributing reflective gear and educational materials, aligning with National Walk to School Day if possible.
- Fundraise for a support fund for victims of traffic accidents to assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and trauma counseling.
- Work with the Lake County Health Department to disseminate information on injury prevention and to provide free car seat and bike helmet checks for families in need.
These recommendations are tailored to clear, present concerns in the community. They align with Rotary’s focus areas of community health, child safety, and support for local first responders, while offering opportunities for direct service and impactful partnerships.