Certainly! I am recommending two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities based on community needs and Rotary’s areas of focus, using recent news as context for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL.
1. Rotary Youth Civic Engagement & First Amendment Rights Workshops
Area of Focus: Education, Peacebuilding, Youth Development
Context:
With local media highlighting concerns about assaults on the First Amendment and the importance of civic participation and civil discourse (e.g., the Daily Herald's editorial “The first amendment is under assault. We should all be defending it.”), there is a clear opportunity to empower youth with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. Schools and families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County could benefit from programming that helps the next generation appreciate and protect foundational democratic values.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee School District 56)
- Public libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library)
- Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, local Scout troops)
- Local media outlets
Next Steps:
- Contact school administrators and libraries to propose a pilot workshop.
- Recruit local attorneys, journalists, and civics educators to volunteer as facilitators.
- Develop interactive workshop materials focused on freedom of expression, civil discourse, critical thinking, and peaceful activism.
- Host a Rotary-sponsored essay or art contest on the First Amendment, with prizes and local media coverage to increase visibility and engagement.
2. Community Health & Safety Expo: Youth Sports Injury Prevention
Area of Focus: Community Health, Disease Prevention, Youth
Context:
News of Cubs rookie Moisés Ballesteros's sports injury (struck in the helmet by a 105-mph line drive)—despite a positive outcome—highlights broader concerns about concussion and youth sports safety. Local families in Lake County, with active participation in youth baseball, football, and hockey, would benefit from increased awareness and resources around youth athletic health, particularly brain injury prevention and response.
Potential Partners:
- Local youth sports leagues (Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District athletics, Lake County YMCA)
- NorthShore University HealthSystem and Advocate Condell Medical Center (for trainers, sports medicine physicians)
- School districts’ athletic departments
- Local sporting goods stores (for helmet and safety gear demonstrations)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with representatives from sports leagues and health providers.
- Schedule a one-day Community Health & Safety Expo at a school gymnasium or park district facility.
- Offer free baseline concussion screenings, helmet fittings, and wellness checks by local clinicians.
- Feature workshops for parents and coaches on injury prevention, concussion protocols, and mental health in youth sports.
- Raise funds for scholarships to provide safety equipment to underserved families; publicize the event via local media and school newsletters.
Both projects align with Rotary’s commitment to youth empowerment, education, public health, and community building, and help address current needs identified in the region.
Based on recent news and current community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and greater Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary project opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, including context, potential partners, and next steps:
1. Community Health & Education Initiative: “Rotary Fresh Start – Food Security & Nutrition Challenge”
Context:
The Waukegan City Council’s decision to continue the 1% grocery tax highlights ongoing cost-of-living pressures on local families—many of whom already struggle with food security and access to nutritious options. The continued tax, justified as not being new, may still disproportionately affect low-income residents. This suggests a community need for supplemental food access and education about affordable nutrition options.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County)
- Waukegan Public Schools and Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Walmart in Waukegan)
- Local health departments (Lake County Health Department)
- Community Action Partnership of Lake County
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with key food bank and health department contacts to gauge scale and logistics.
- Organize a fundraising drive and food donation events; coordinate “pop-up” mobile pantries at schools and accessible community centers.
- Develop nutrition education workshops with input from school nurses and health educators, focusing both on students and families.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for packing, distribution, and education roles; align with Rotary Youth/Interact clubs for student involvement.
- Measure impact via distributed food packages, workshop attendance, and follow-up surveys for participating families.
2. Youth & Leadership Development: “Rotary Sports & STEM After-School Program”
Context:
High school sports remain a vibrant part of Lake County life, as evident in recent sports coverage (local football rankings, athlete spotlights). However, not all youth have access to enriching after-school activities, and there’s a known gap between athletics and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) opportunities, especially for underserved students in Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools and middle schools (e.g., Warren Township, Waukegan High School)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- College of Lake County (outreach/mentoring)
- Nearby STEM nonprofits (FIRST Robotics, Project Exploration)
- Local sports organizations and coaches
Next Steps:
- Meet with school principals, athletic directors, and Boys & Girls Club leadership to design a pilot after-school program combining sports activities (using school facilities and coaches) and STEM learning modules (mentoring by college/Rotary STEM professionals).
- Seek Rotary grant funding and/or host a fundraiser (e.g., Sports & STEM Family Night) to provide program materials, transportation, and healthy snacks.
- Coordinate with college and high-school student volunteers for peer tutoring and coaching.
- Publicize via school newsletters, community boards, and local media.
- Track participation and academic/engagement outcomes to refine and sustain the program.
Both initiatives directly address community needs revealed in current events and leverage Rotary’s reputation and partnerships for broad local impact.
1. Rotary Youth Academic Achievement Fund & Spelling Bee Sponsorship
Context:
Lake County’s own Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old seventh grader, won a marathon 45-round Regional Spelling Bee and is representing the region at the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. With participation from 73 schools and hundreds of students, the event demonstrates significant local enthusiasm for academic enrichment and literacy programs. Many families may face costs related to travel, training, or entry fees for such national-level opportunities.
Rotary’s Focus Area: Education, supporting youth.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local school districts
- Public libraries
- PTAs and parent organizations
- Area businesses and media outlets (for promotion and sponsorship support)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Lake County Regional Office of Education and Visharad’s school to offer direct support for travel or training expenses related to the National Spelling Bee.
- Develop a Rotary Youth Academic Achievement Fund: a micro-grant program for families of students participating in state or national academic competitions (not limited to spelling bees).
- Plan an annual Rotary-sponsored spelling bee for area schools, offering prizes and recognition, and use the event as a fundraiser and to spotlight student achievement.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses and coordinate media coverage to highlight Rotary’s commitment to educational excellence.
2. Healthy Community Celebration & Wellness Fair
Context:
While the article doesn’t directly mention health or environmental concerns, Lake County’s youth and family community events—like the spelling bee—draw large audiences and indicate an engaged local population. These events offer a trusted platform for Rotary to address pressing community health (physical and mental), nutrition, and wellness needs—especially as regional press highlights ongoing interest in these areas.
Rotary’s Focus Area: Community health, disease prevention, and youth development.
Potential Partners:
- Local hospitals and medical clinics (such as Vista Health System in Waukegan)
- Lake County Health Department
- School districts and PTAs
- YMCA of Lake County, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local farmers’ markets and food pantries
Next Steps:
- Organize a Healthy Community Celebration in Gurnee or Waukegan, with a wellness fair component offering free or low-cost health screenings, mental health resources, nutrition workshops, and activities for youth and families.
- Recruit medical professionals, volunteers, and vendors for screenings and education sessions.
- Feature interactive booths (e.g., “Spell-to-Wellness” station linking literacy and health) to tie in Rotary’s education and health focus.
- Combine the event with an academic celebration to honor area students like Visharad—leveraging their recognition to draw families and build community support.
- Develop promotional materials in partnership with media outlets such as the Lake County News-Sun.
These projects reinforce Rotary’s mission and visibility, respond directly to community needs highlighted by recent events, and strengthen local partnerships.
Context:
The "MSABC of Lake County Kick Off" at The Ten Gurnee is noted as an upcoming community event (MSABC commonly refers to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, an American Cancer Society initiative). Additionally, local news highlights a Lindenhurst breast cancer patient being honored at a Bears game, and that food pantry visits are spiking—indicating ongoing community health and economic stress.
Potential Partners:
- American Cancer Society / Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Lake County
- The Ten Gurnee (event host location)
- Local healthcare providers (Vista Health, Advocate Aurora, Lake County Health Dept.)
- Area food pantries (Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries)
Aligned Rotary Focus:
Disease prevention and treatment, supporting the fight against cancer, and improving access to health resources.
Next Steps:
- Contact MSABC Lake County organizers to discuss Rotary participation or co-hosting elements of the kickoff event (awareness tables, fundraising teams, survivor celebrations).
- Collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer free screenings, resource information, or wellness checks during the event.
- Organize a Rotary team to participate and fundraise, with proceeds supporting cancer research and support services for local patients.
- Expand the partnership to provide ongoing assistance—such as transportation to treatments, ‘comfort kits’ for patients, or support group facilitation.
- Use Rotary channels to highlight the event, invite wider community participation, and recruit volunteers for both event days and follow-up activities.
Context:
Recent reports state Chicago-area food pantries are seeing a spike in visits; this aligns with a growing need among area residents for food support. Waukegan, Gurnee, and broader Lake County include vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Aldi)
- School districts for food distribution (Waukegan Community Unit District 60, Gurnee District 56)
- Local faith communities
Aligned Rotary Focus:
Community economic development, basic needs (fighting hunger), child and maternal health.
Next Steps:
- Partner with food banks and pantries to organize a county-wide food drive, branded as “Feed Lake County,” with special focus on Waukegan and Gurnee.
- Collect both food and monetary donations at high-traffic events (farmers markets, school events, Rotary meetings).
- Establish regular volunteer shifts—Rotary members helping at pantries, stocking, sorting, and direct distribution.
- Launch an awareness campaign through Rotary’s network: highlight stories of need, leverage social media, and challenge peer organizations to match donations.
- Explore grant funding from Rotary District and local businesses for targeted nutritional support (e.g., fresh produce for families with children) and logistical improvements (e.g., mobile pantry units to reach underserved areas).
Both of these opportunities address immediate and ongoing community needs, foster partnerships, and build Rotary’s public image as a convener for impactful local change.
1. Community Health Initiative: Senior Wellness & Support Enhancement
Context:
The upcoming Senior Resource Fair (September 25, 2025, at Round Lake Area Park District Sports Center) offers seniors, caregivers, and families access to free blood-pressure checks, stroke prevention info, and dementia simulation training. The fair highlights significant needs in local senior health, access to on-site screenings, preventive information, and caregiver support. The increasing aging population in Lake County makes this an ongoing community challenge.
Potential Partners:
- Round Lake Area Park District (Fair host)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local nursing/medical schools (e.g., College of Lake County)
- Alzheimer’s Association (Greater Illinois Chapter)
- Senior living communities (e.g., Gurnee Place Memory Care)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Resource Fair Organizers to assess gaps: What services/staffing do they need? Is there a need for transportation, follow-ups, or at-home screening kits?
- Organize a Rotary Health & Wellness Team to supplement the fair and provide ongoing monthly check-ins or clinics at area senior centers.
- Launch a Fundraising Drive: Secure funds for at-home blood pressure cuffs, educational materials, and mini-grants for seniors in need of transportation to medical appointments.
- Volunteer Recruitment: Mobilize Rotarians and local high school Key/Interact Club members for outreach, transportation, and hands-on fair support.
- Promote Via Local Media and Rotary Marketing before next year’s fair and at similar events in Waukegan and Gurnee.
2. Environmental & Education Initiative: Invasive Species Community Action Campaign
Context:
On September 23, 2025, the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club (GGGC) is hosting an educational event on "Exotic Invasive Weeds of Illinois" at State Bank of The Lakes. Invasive species damage Lake County’s biodiversity and water quality. This, coupled with robust participation in Grayslake’s Farmers Market and local environmental groups, shows community interest in ecology, stewardship, and education.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Schools (environmental clubs at Grayslake North/South High Schools)
- State Bank of The Lakes (community engagement arm)
- College of Lake County’s sustainability center
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with GGGC to expand the event into a series of hands-on “community weed pulls” at local parks, forest preserves, and school grounds.
- Apply for Small Rotary Grants to fund supplies: gloves, disposal bags, native seed kits, and environmental signage for restoration sites.
- Educational Outreach: Create and distribute “Invasive Species Awareness Kits” for local schools/libraries and integrate Rotary volunteers as workshop leaders and mentors.
- Combine with Farmers Market Presence: Host an “Ask a Naturalist” booth for identification and education during summer/fall Grayslake market days.
- Promote Volunteerism: Engage youth groups (scouting, Interact Clubs) and offer service hour documentation to encourage broader participation.
These two projects—senior wellness and environmental education/action—directly respond to current local events and unmet needs and align with Rotary’s areas of focus.
1. Rotary Community Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Support Program
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is actively involved in supporting organizations like the Riverside Foundation, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The township is also holding educational events, such as a Mental Health Fair featuring agencies specializing in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. There is an ongoing need for awareness, education, and support for these vulnerable populations in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan.
Potential Partners: - Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board - Riverside Foundation - Other local nonprofits attending the Mental Health Fair - Lake County Health Department
Next Steps: - Coordinate with the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to identify current gaps in public awareness and support. - Organize a Rotary-sponsored educational event or resource drive in Gurnee or Waukegan, inviting guest speakers from Riverside Foundation and similar agencies. - Launch a fundraiser or supply donation program benefiting local organizations serving residents with developmental disabilities and mental health needs (e.g., comfort items, sensory tools, resource books). - Promote the event through local schools, businesses, and partner agencies. - Consider establishing a recurring Rotary grant or community award for innovative mental health or developmental disability programs.
2. Rotary Youth Academic & Leadership Recognition and Support Initiative
Context:
Lake Forest High School recently celebrated 16 students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, which demonstrates both high academic potential among local youth and the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. Meanwhile, events like the Woodlands Academy Flag Ceremony highlight the cultural diversity in local schools. There remains a continuous need in Lake County—including Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding communities—to foster youth education, leadership, and inclusivity.
Potential Partners: - Lake Forest High School and local school districts in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County - Woodlands Academy - College of Lake County - Local PTAs and cultural organizations
Next Steps: - Coordinate with school counselors and local educators to identify students who excel academically or demonstrate leadership, especially from underrepresented backgrounds. - Organize a Rotary Youth Recognition Event or Leadership Luncheon celebrating academic achievement, multiculturalism, and service, with scholarships or micro-grants for honorees. - Pair the recognition with a mentoring program matching Rotary members with interested students for leadership skill-building or career guidance. - Collaborate with Woodlands Academy to promote cultural exchange and inclusivity activities. - Seek sponsorships and local business support to sustain scholarship or leadership development awards annually.
Both these projects directly address Rotary's areas of focus: community health (mental health and developmental disabilities), education, and youth, while fostering meaningful, sustainable community partnerships in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunity #1: Elder Fraud Prevention and Financial Literacy Workshops
Context:
A recent news story highlighted that a suburban man scammed an elderly Vernon Hills woman out of $27,000, and authorities believe several others may have fallen victim to similar schemes. With an aging population in Lake County and a clear threat from scams targeting seniors, there is a significant community need for preventive education and support.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Hills Police Department (Lead investigator from recent case)
- Local senior centers (e.g., Gurnee Park District’s 50+ Club, Waukegan’s Park Place Senior Center)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office
- Financial institutions with community outreach programs (e.g., Libertyville Bank & Trust)
Next Steps:
1. Connect with local law enforcement and the state’s attorney’s office to gather relevant scam-prevention resources and invite speakers for events.
2. Reach out to senior centers and community groups to schedule a series of in-person and virtual workshops.
3. Engage local banks to provide expertise, resources, and possible sponsorship for printed materials and refreshments.
4. Publicize the events through Patch, local libraries, and Rotary’s own communication channels.
5. Ensure volunteer Rotarians are present at each session to facilitate and distribute fraud prevention brochures.
Rotary Service and Fundraising Opportunity #2: Youth Safety & Trauma Recovery Support Project
Context:
A devastating incident in Beach Park left a young girl critically injured in a violent stabbing. This highlights ongoing issues of youth violence and trauma in Lake County, including areas like Waukegan and Gurnee. The aftermath of such events often leaves youth and families in urgent need of trauma recovery resources, safe spaces, and preventative intervention.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center
- Family Service of Lake County (counseling and trauma services)
- Local school districts (District 56 in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Youth service organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Youth & Family Counseling Libertyville)
Next Steps:
1. Convene a meeting with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center and Family Service of Lake County to identify urgent needs for trauma recovery support—for both victims and at-risk youth.
2. Work with school social workers and youth organizations to develop a trauma-informed education and support program (workshops, peer support groups, resource guides).
3. Launch a Rotary fundraising campaign (such as a walk/run, benefit dinner, or online giving event) with proceeds earmarked for counseling subsidies, emergency assistance for families, and restorative programming.
4. Recruit and train Rotarians and local mental health professionals as program volunteers or workshop facilitators.
5. Monitor impact through participant feedback and coordinate with partner agencies for continuous improvement.