Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities for Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, based on current events and relevant community needs:
Context:
Lake County continues to face challenges related to youth education, especially in communities like Waukegan where access to after-school programs and positive mentors remains limited. With national attention on military recruitment issues and shifting standards, local conversations have emphasized the importance of health, character-building, and readiness among area youth. This need aligns with Rotary’s focus on education and youth development.
Potential Partners: - Waukegan Public Schools (Dr. Theresa Plascencia, Superintendent) - Boys & Girls Club of Lake County - YouthBuild Lake County - Local veterans’ groups (to incorporate character/discipline workshops)
Next Steps: 1. Convene a planning meeting with school district officials and local youth organizations to identify the highest-priority needs—such as tutoring, mentorship, or college/career readiness workshops. 2. Develop a pilot after-school program that incorporates both academic support and health/fitness activities (potentially with input from local veterans). 3. Organize a fundraiser to supply laptops, books, or transportation stipends for participating students. 4. Recruit and train Rotarians and community volunteers as mentors and tutors; connect with veteran groups for guest speakers or leadership sessions.
Context:
A recent editorial highlights Illinois’ “critical crossroads” on energy, emphasizing the impact of legislation on affordability and reliability. With Lake County undergoing similar debates and transitions, there’s a rich opportunity for Rotary to take a leadership role in environmental education and action—both urgent topics for families and businesses.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves - Sierra Club – Lake County Chapter - Local utility companies (ComEd, North Shore Gas) - College of Lake County (environmental studies department) - Local businesses involved in renewable energy or energy efficiency
Next Steps: 1. Assemble a volunteer committee to plan the “Lake County Clean Energy & Environment Fair” in a public park or school. 2. Reach out to environmental partners and local businesses for informational booths, demonstrations (solar panels, electric vehicles), and kids’ activities. 3. Include segments on energy conservation at home, rebates/incentives, and youth science projects. 4. Organize a concurrent fundraising campaign (e.g., “Sponsor a Solar School Roof” or plant-a-tree drive). 5. Publicize through school networks and Rotary channels to maximize community engagement.
Both projects are highly visible, meet pressing local concerns, and showcase Rotary’s commitment to education, community health, and the environment.
1. Community Health: Vaccine Awareness & Accessibility Initiative
Context:
Lake County Health Director recently emphasized the importance of timely vaccination before the indoor season, noting it takes two weeks after vaccination for immunity. With ongoing public health concerns, promoting updated vaccine guidance and assisting residents to access vaccines aligns with Rotary's focus on disease prevention and health. Barriers remain for some Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding residents regarding access, reliable information, and vaccine hesitancy.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Director: likely Dr. Sana Ahmed or current acting director)
- Local pharmacies (e.g., Walgreens, CVS)
- NorthShore University HealthSystem and Northwestern Medicine-Lake Forest Hospital
- Community and faith-based organizations serving Waukegan, Gurnee, and Round Lake
- School districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Health Department to identify key dates and highest-need neighborhoods for focused outreach.
- Organize community info sessions in English and Spanish at local libraries, faith centers, and schools, sharing up-to-date vaccine information.
- Partner with local pharmacies and health providers to arrange low-barrier, pop-up vaccine clinics with transportation support if possible.
- Develop Rotarian-led volunteer teams to distribute flyers, assist with clinic logistics, and provide translation services as needed.
2. Education & Youth: Student Leadership & Civic Engagement Workshops
Context:
Recent local high school stories highlight youth leadership and achievement, such as Round Lake’s Eduardo Gonzalez rising to captain or Jake Thorstenson’s leadership in local football. With schools and communities still rebounding from pandemic setbacks, fostering leadership and civic engagement in youth supports both educational achievement and community development. There’s momentum and community interest in programs that uplift student voice and empower positive contributions.
Potential Partners:
- High schools: Round Lake High School, Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School
- Youth-focused organizations: Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- School counselors, coaches (e.g., Coach Hugo Tellez, Coach Steve Reaven for speaker opportunities)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
Next Steps:
- Contact leadership at featured high schools and youth organizations to assess student interests and needs.
- Develop a series of after-school or weekend workshops on leadership skills, civic responsibility, and project management, with Rotarians and local leaders as mentors.
- Feature local student-athlete leaders and coaches as speakers to inspire participation.
- Seek funding or in-kind sponsorships for materials, food, and transportation support.
- Evaluate impact with pre- and post-workshop surveys, sharing results with schools and Rotary networks for replication and grant opportunities.
Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, including the recognition of educational achievement by local youth and ongoing community health concerns, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities, each aligned with Rotary’s core areas of focus:
1. “Words Matter: Youth Literacy and Academic Achievement Initiative”
Focus: Basic Education and Literacy & Youth Services
Context:
Lake County’s own Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old seventh-grader, is advancing to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., after besting hundreds of students in the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee. This story not only celebrates his dedication but also highlights the value of strong literacy support and educational enrichment for youth throughout the county. Many students—especially from underserved parts of Waukegan and Gurnee—may lack similar opportunities and resources. Rotary can leverage this moment to promote literacy and support academic achievement countywide.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts and the Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Waukegan Public Library and Warren-Newport Public Library
- Local PTAs and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Education-focused nonprofits (e.g., Reading Power Inc.)
- Businesses willing to sponsor awards, books, or scholarships
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake County Regional Office of Education to explore collaborating on annual or semi-annual spelling/literacy competitions or workshops, expanding access to underrepresented schools.
- Organize “Literacy Champions” workshops—mentoring and tutoring events featuring local authors, teachers, and contest winners like Visharad Sathish.
- Establish a scholarship or award fund for regional literacy achievement, to be presented at Rotary meetings or community gatherings.
- Host a community book drive to provide free or discounted books to area schools and libraries, prioritizing lower-income neighborhoods.
2. “Lake County Health Access and Awareness Fair”
Focus: Disease Prevention & Community Health
Context:
With ongoing health education needs in the county (reflected in regular coverage about vaccine guidance and community health initiatives), there is a demand for accessible, local health resources—especially for families and youth in Waukegan and Gurnee, which have diverse and sometimes underserved populations.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local hospitals and clinics (Vista Health System, Advocate Condell, etc.)
- Lake County schools and parent organizations
- Local pharmacies
- University of Illinois Extension – Lake County
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Lake County Health Department to organize a spring or early summer Health and Wellness Fair, hosted at a centrally-located school or community center in Waukegan or Gurnee.
- Recruit local health professionals and volunteers to provide free screenings (vision, dental, blood pressure, immunizations where possible), health literacy workshops (nutrition, mental health, emergency preparedness), and resources in multiple languages.
- Seek local sponsorships and in-kind donations, and promote through school newsletters and local media to ensure diverse community participation.
- Include family-friendly activities (fitness demos, healthy cooking workshops, kids’ games with health messages) to boost engagement and education, aligning with Rotary’s commitment to youth and health.
Each initiative is timely, addresses community needs, and squarely fits within Rotary’s areas of focus. With strong potential for local partnerships, these projects can advance both the visibility and the positive impact of Rotary in Lake County.
1. Project: Financial Literacy & Scam Prevention Workshops for Seniors
Context:
A recent incident in Grayslake involved an 80-year-old Green Oaks woman losing $17,000 to a scam. Police made arrests, but this highlights ongoing vulnerability among seniors in Lake County to financial scams, often with devastating emotional and economic consequences. As the senior population grows, so does the urgency of providing support and education to protect them.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Economic Development, Community Health
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Police Department (crime prevention officers)
- Local senior centers (e.g., Grayslake Senior Center)
- Village of Green Oaks
- Area banks and credit unions (e.g., First Midwest Bank, Consumers Credit Union)
- Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (community outreach division)
Next Steps:
- Contact the Grayslake Police Department’s community relations officer to co-develop a series of interactive workshops focused on identifying, preventing, and reporting scams targeting seniors.
- Partner with senior and community centers in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Green Oaks to host the workshops in accessible venues.
- Develop informational handouts, possibly in partnership with banks, about common scams and safe financial practices.
- Organize “Financial Wellness Days” that include brief one-on-one consultations (with appropriate privacy) and Q&A sessions.
- Recruit volunteers from Rotary and engage local high school students (for service hours) to provide tech help, such as setting up security features on cell phones.
- Evaluate impact by surveying attendees and tracking requests for further help.
2. Project: Food Security Drive for Local Pantries Experiencing a Surge in Demand
Context:
A recent report noted Chicago-area food pantries—including those serving Lake County—have seen a spike in visits over the past year. Rising food insecurity places stress on both families and food distribution organizations like the Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries in Waukegan and Gurnee. This aligns with ongoing needs for nutritious food access, especially as inflation impacts family budgets.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health, Supporting Education (as hunger impacts learning)
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Avon Township’s Food Pantry (Grayslake)
- Gurnee Park District (for collection sites and event support)
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Aldi, Mariano’s) for sponsorship or donation
- Local schools (for hunger awareness campaigns and student involvement)
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning group with food pantry leaders to determine the greatest current needs (specific food items, hygiene products, funding for perishables).
- Arrange a Rotary “Fill the Pantry” drive, utilizing collection points across public spaces and businesses in Gurnee, Grayslake, and Waukegan.
- Mobilize Rotary members and local youth volunteers for sorting, packing, and delivery during the drive.
- Include an educational component—distribute information on food insecurity and invite recipients to free healthy-cooking demonstrations.
- Engage local businesses to sponsor the drive or match community donations.
- Publicize results and promote ongoing relationships with food pantries for future collaboration.
1. Expand Access to the Arts for Local Youth through Community Art Workshops and Mural Projects
Context:
Grayslake is hosting multiple arts-focused events in October, including an “Art at Home Show & Sale,” a “Canvas Mural Collaboration” at Beer Bazaar, and a “Day of the Dead Collage Workshop” at Grayslake North High School. These highlight a vibrant interest in the arts but also indicate a need for greater access for young people, especially underserved youth in nearby communities such as Waukegan, Gurnee, and Round Lake, where arts programming can be limited.
Potential Partners:
- Local artists like Sinéad Carus (GAA Featured Artist)
- Grayslake North High School art department
- Beer Bazaar (Grayslake)
- Advocates for Community Transformation (ACT) in Waukegan
- Waukegan Public Library or Round Lake Area Public Library
Next Steps:
- Organize a meeting with local artists and educators to design inclusive, free art workshops for youth, culminating in a community mural led by professionals and local students.
- Recruit Rotary volunteers to assist with event logistics, mentorship, and materials support.
- Publicize events in partnership with local libraries, schools, and businesses.
- Seek grant or community foundation support to provide art supplies, transportation, and facilities.
- Plan a public community unveiling to strengthen local engagement and promote youth achievement.
2. Support Food Security and Healthy Living through an Enhanced Community Farmers Market Initiative
Context:
The Fall Grayslake Farmers Market and multiple “Harvest Fest” events in Vernon Hills and Round Lake signal regional interest in local agriculture, healthy eating, and community gathering. However, in Lake County (especially in Waukegan and Round Lake), food insecurity remains a significant challenge, particularly for low-income families and seniors.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market Committee
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local farm vendors and community gardens
- Lake County Health Department
- Youth groups (e.g., high school Key Clubs, 4H) for volunteer engagement
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with farmers market organizers to add a “Fresh Food for All” booth, distributing market vouchers to underserved families in partnership with social service agencies.
- Coordinate Rotary volunteers to operate nutrition education stations or conduct healthy cooking demonstrations at market events and Harvest Fests.
- Initiate a “buy one, give one” campaign, encouraging shoppers to purchase extra produce for donation to area food pantries or meal programs.
- Partner with local health organizations to offer free health screenings, flu shots, or information tables at market events.
- Evaluate program impact and explore expansion to additional Lake County communities with Rotary support.
1. Expanding Support and Inclusion for Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
Context:
A recent piece highlights the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board’s call for greater community awareness of services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These populations face ongoing challenges related to social inclusion, education, and employment—needs that align closely with Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting children and youth.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local service providers supporting people with disabilities (e.g., Clearbrook, Little City Foundation)
- Special education programs in nearby school districts
- Local employers interested in inclusive hiring
- Parent support groups
Next Steps:
- Host an Inclusion Resource Fair or Forum: Organize an event to connect families, individuals with disabilities, and local service providers. Rotary could facilitate workshops on independent living, employment, and advocacy, and invite local businesses to learn about inclusive hiring.
- Volunteer or Fundraise for Access Enhancement: Raise funds for adaptive equipment, accessible transportation, or scholarships to programs for youth with disabilities. Mobilize Rotary volunteers to assist with organizing inclusive recreational or educational events.
- Advocacy and Education: Partner with schools and businesses to run awareness campaigns and training sessions on inclusion and accessibility.
2. Supporting Educational Excellence and College Access in Waukegan
Context:
Waukegan to College is holding its "1000 Dreams Gala," spotlighting ongoing community needs related to educational achievement and college access, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students in Waukegan, Gurnee, and Lake County. The area boasts high-performing schools such as Woodlands Academy, but persistent disparities remain in college readiness and support for at-risk youth.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan to College
- Woodlands Academy and local public high schools
- Local PTAs, libraries, and youth mentoring programs
- Community foundations (e.g., Lake County Community Foundation)
- Local businesses for sponsorships and internships
Next Steps:
- Rotary-Backed Scholarship Fund or Mentorship Program: Launch a Rotary-sponsored scholarship, mentorship, or college preparation workshop series, coordinated with Waukegan to College and area schools. Members can serve as mentors, guest speakers, or scholarship reviewers.
- Service Project with the 1000 Dreams Gala: Volunteer at or help promote the gala; contribute auction items or coordinate a Rotary Challenge Grant to match individual donations from the community.
- College Readiness Workshops: Sponsor recurring sessions (financial aid workshops, essay-writing clinics, ACT/SAT prep, etc.), using Rotary's professional expertise and networks for real-world mentoring.
By connecting Rotary’s resources and people to these current needs, the projects above would make a substantial impact within Lake County, while furthering Rotary's mission in the areas of health, inclusion, and education for youth.
1. Community Health Initiative: Cancer Awareness & Early Detection Program
Context:
Recent local reporting (Dr. Abbie Miller, UnitedHealthcare of Illinois) highlights a concerning rise in cancer rates among younger adults in the area, including Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County region. Addressing cancer awareness, prevention, and the importance of early detection aligns directly with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment.
Potential Partners:
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (lead by Dr. Abbie Miller)
- Lake County Health Department
- Advocate Condell Medical Center
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Next Steps:
a. Initial Outreach: Connect with Dr. Abbie Miller and the Lake County Health Department to discuss partnership opportunities, leveraging their expertise and resources in public health education.
b. Community Screening Event: Plan and promote a free or low-cost cancer screening and information day at a central location (e.g., Gurnee Mills, Waukegan Park District, or local community centers), focusing on education for younger adults and high-risk populations.
c. Education Campaign: Develop and distribute multilingual materials (English/Spanish) about understanding cancer risks and the importance of early screening, especially targeting youth and underserved groups in Waukegan and Gurnee.
d. Volunteer Mobilization: Engage Rotary club members for event staffing and logistics, and seek additional volunteers from local universities’ pre-med and nursing programs.
e. Fundraising: Organize a run/walk or “wellness day” event with proceeds supporting cancer support non-profits in Lake County.
2. Youth & Environment Project: Butterfly Garden and Environmental Education Program
Context:
News on local environmental features, such as “Milkweed Popping, Backyard Butterfly,” signals both resident interest and ecological need. Monarch butterflies rely on milkweed, which is in decline, and educating youth while greening neighborhoods aligns with Rotary’s focus on the environment and supporting education/youth development. Partnering schools and communities in Libertyville, Gurnee, and Waukegan can benefit directly from hands-on, positive projects, especially following recent bans on e-bikes/scooters, which underscore a local desire for low-impact, family-centered activities.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local schools and PTAs (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan School District 60)
- Lake County Audubon Society
- Libertyville Garden Club
- MainStreet Libertyville
Next Steps:
a. Collaboration Planning: Meet with Lake County Forest Preserves and local school representatives to identify sites for butterfly/milkweed gardens (e.g., school grounds, park entrances).
b. Education Program Development: Design classroom and community workshop content focused on pollinator habitats, the butterfly lifecycle, and the role of native plants.
c. Community Planting Day: Organize “Butterfly Garden Days” inviting local families and youth groups to help plant milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. Include learn-and-play stations.
d. Sponsorship: Seek donations of native plants from local garden centers, fundraise through plant sale events, or request sponsorships from environmentally conscious local businesses.
e. Sustainability: Establish student or Rotary-led volunteer groups to maintain gardens and host annual youth environmental “discovery days.”
These initiatives will foster community engagement, support public health, beautify the environment, and empower young people to lead positive change in Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville, and throughout Lake County.