Based on the available news and recent stories featuring community and education events, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Expanding Scholarship Support for Latinx/Undocumented Students in Lake County
Context:
Elgin Community College recently hosted the Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch, raising substantial funds to provide scholarships for undocumented and DACA-status Latinx students. While Elgin’s efforts were celebrated, Lake County, including communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, has a significant Latinx population with students facing similar hurdles in accessing higher education, due to immigration or financial status.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (CLC)
- Local high schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School)
- Latinx community organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Elgin Community College (for best practices)
Next Steps:
- Host an annual brunch or fundraiser in Lake County, inspired by the Jane Barbosa model, with the explicit goal of raising scholarship funds for undocumented/DACA students at CLC and local high schools.
- Collaborate with partners to identify eligible students and ensure inclusive outreach.
- Use Rotary’s network to solicit event sponsorships, donations, and auction items from local businesses.
- Publicize recipient stories to highlight community impact and encourage giving.
- Explore possible mentorship opportunities alongside scholarships, linking students with Rotary members in related career fields.
2. Community Conversations on Inclusion, Education, and Local Youth Voices
Context:
Tom Montgomery Fate’s column, “How far we haven't come,” signals a need for continued dialogue and action around inclusion, equity, and education outcomes in the community. Lake County’s diversity—and sometimes segregated civic life—offers an opening for Rotary clubs to convene and catalyze progress on these fronts, especially by centering youth and underrepresented voices.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Gurnee School District 56, Waukegan Public Schools)
- Youth groups/clubs (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County, student government associations)
- Advocacy organizations (e.g., the Lake County United, A Safe Place, United Way of Lake County)
- Area libraries and community centers
Next Steps:
- Organize a recurring Community Conversation Series co-hosted by Rotary, schools, and community partners.
- Focus initial events on education equity, youth experiences, and pathways to post-high school success, elevating the voices of students from different backgrounds.
- Incorporate interactive activities, panel discussions, and resource sharing (including information about scholarships, civic engagement, and community services).
- Use insights to inform ongoing Rotary service projects and identify gaps where the club can provide direct support, advocacy, or funding.
- Encourage and empower youth to co-plan, speak, and lead at these events, building leadership and public speaking skills.
Both projects directly contribute to Rotary’s focus areas of education and community development, meeting clear needs in Lake County communities for inclusion, support, and opportunity.
Based on recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County, IL area, two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus are:
1. Community Health: Vaccine Awareness & Outreach Campaign
Context:
Lake County’s health director recently emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated ahead of the “peak indoor season.” The continued need for timely and equitable vaccine distribution is evident, especially given ongoing health disparities and vaccine hesitancy in certain populations. Public health officials are focusing on education and access as critical to community well-being.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (notably, Dr. Sana Ahmed, director)
- Local school districts (such as D56 in Gurnee and Waukegan CUSD 60)
- Community clinics and pharmacies (e.g., Advocate Aurora Health, Walgreens)
- Faith-based organizations serving at-risk populations
Next Steps:
- Hold a joint planning meeting with the county health department to identify current outreach needs and logistics.
- Organize “Health & Wellness Fairs” at local schools, community centers, and houses of worship, offering free vaccine clinics and educational workshops on vaccine safety, seasonal health, and preventive care.
- Coordinate with local medical professionals and translators to provide resources in multiple languages.
- Use Rotary’s fundraising and volunteer capacity to offer transportation or childcare, addressing barriers to vaccine access.
- Promote through local media and targeted social media campaigns, using testimonials from community leaders and Rotary members.
2. Youth Development & Education: After-School Sports and Enrichment Support
Context:
Recent sports news highlighted strong community participation and the positive impact of athletics on local youth (e.g., Wauconda High QB Jake Thorstenson’s inspiring story, Round Lake’s Eduardo Gonzalez). However, funding gaps for after-school programs persist in Waukegan and neighboring towns, where extracurricular activities are critical for youth development, especially in under-resourced communities.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee Park Districts
- Public school athletic and enrichment directors (notably from Round Lake and Wauconda)
- Local youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Area businesses willing to sponsor teams/equipment
Next Steps:
- Connect with school and park officials to identify specific needs (e.g., equipment, uniforms, transportation, facility improvements, mentorship volunteers).
- Organize a community fundraising 5K or “Sports Night” benefit, inviting local sports figures and partnering businesses.
- Recruit Rotarians and community members as volunteer coaches, tutors, and event helpers.
- Develop scholarship funds to ensure low-income students' participation.
- Use Rotary’s network to secure in-kind donations of sports supplies, healthy snacks, and other essentials.
These initiatives directly support community health, education, and youth development, leveraging Rotary’s strengths in partnership, fundraising, and volunteerism for meaningful local impact.
1. Youth Literacy and Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
The recent achievement of Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish, who is heading to Washington, D.C. for the National Spelling Bee, highlights a strong culture of academic talent and a need for community support in literacy and enrichment programs. Seventy-three schools participated in the spelling bee, reflecting deep student engagement but also signaling potential gaps in access to resources, tutoring, and encouragement, especially for students who may lack support.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Local schools and PTAs
- Waukegan Public Library and Gurnee Public Library
- Businesses such as Barnes & Noble or independent bookstores
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with the Regional Office of Education and local schools to identify areas where additional spelling, reading, or academic resources would have the greatest impact (e.g., after-school clubs, tutoring programs, or book giveaways).
- Develop a “Rotary Reading Champions” program: recruit Rotary volunteers to mentor students in literacy, host mini-spelling bees, or sponsor enrichment field trips.
- Organize a fundraising dinner or spelling bee (invite community leaders and business sponsors) to raise funds for educational materials, scholarships, or participation fees for national competitions like the spelling bee.
- Promote youth achievement stories (like Visharad’s) through Rotary social media and local news to inspire broad participation.
2. Community Health and Immunization Awareness Campaign
Context:
A recent story notes that the Lake County health director is working to explain and promote state vaccine guidance, aiming to protect residents’ health to the best of their ability. There’s an ongoing local need for public health education, addressing misconceptions, language barriers, and vaccine access — especially after COVID-19, and with changing requirements for children and adults.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Director Dr. Sana Ahmed or current health leadership)
- NorthShore University HealthSystem (with a Waukegan presence)
- Local immigrant and faith organizations (Churches, Islamic Foundation North, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center)
- Walgreens, CVS, or local pharmacies
Next Steps:
- Meet with health department leaders to identify urgent health education needs (e.g., vaccine clinics, flu shots, children’s immunization schedules).
- Arrange a “Community Health Day” — provide free or low-cost immunizations, distribute multilingual health materials, and host Q&A sessions with medical professionals.
- Rotary volunteers help with logistics, translation, promotion, and outreach to under-served communities.
- Launch a targeted fundraising drive (potentially with local healthcare partners and sponsors) to support transportation vouchers to clinics, health fair supplies, or incentives for families participating in wellness checks.
- Evaluate outcomes and create a template for future collaborative health events.
Based on recent news and developments from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL—such as increased food pantry usage, health and safety incidents, environmental initiatives, and a vibrant community arts scene—here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities closely aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Community Health & Safety Initiative: Trauma Response Support and Prevention
Context:
A severe recent traffic collision on Route 173 resulted in the traumatic amputation of a motorcyclist’s leg. This event underscores the ongoing challenges of accident trauma, the importance of rapid emergency response, and the need for community support for accident victims and their families. Additionally, local hospitals and first responders may benefit from greater resources and public education around trauma response and prevention.
Potential Partners:
- Advocate Condell Medical Center (Libertyville) & Vista Medical Center East (Waukegan)
- Local fire departments and EMS (Lake County Paramedic Association)
- Lake County Health Department
- Red Cross (local chapter)
- Organizations like “Stop the Bleed”
- Motorcycle clubs & auto safety groups
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with hospital community liaisons and fire/EMS leadership to assess needs for trauma kits, training, or victim support.
- Organize a community health and safety forum (potential venue: Grayslake Village Center or similar) with first responders, “Stop the Bleed” trainers, and local health officials.
- Fundraise to supply trauma bags or Stop the Bleed kits for schools, faith centers, and gathering spaces.
- Launch a recurring public education campaign on accident prevention, safe driving, and immediate trauma response—particularly targeting youth and motorcycle groups.
- Develop a grant or hardship fund supporting accident victims and their families during recovery.
2. Addressing Food Insecurity: Support for Local Food Pantries
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County, have seen a significant surge in the number of visitors over the past year, reflecting growing food insecurity among families and seniors. Food insecurity has lasting impacts on community health, children’s educational outcomes, and overall well-being—a key Rotary area of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serving Lake County)
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan)
- Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake)
- Local schools and PTAs
- Grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s, Meijer)
- Faith-based groups (e.g., local churches, synagogues, mosques)
Next Steps:
- Connect with pantry managers to identify the most needed items and assess critical needs (e.g., fresh produce, protein, special diet items).
- Organize a multi-site food drive, incorporating drop-off points at local Rotary events, business sponsors (restaurants, toy/gift shops), and schools.
- Host an awareness event in conjunction with Grayslake’s Art at Home Show & Sale or another festival to collect donations and educate attendees.
- Partner with grocery stores for “round-up at the register” fundraising or to obtain surplus goods for redistribution.
- Explore grant opportunities through the Rotary Foundation for nutrition programs in partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Both initiatives address urgent, highly visible needs in Lake County and foster community resilience while raising the profile and impact of local Rotary clubs.
Project Idea 1: Enhancing Community Health with a ‘Rotary Family Health & Wellness Expo’ at the Lake County Fairgrounds
Context:
The “HUGE, FREE Lake County Home Show” at the Lake County Fairgrounds attracts large crowds from Gurnee, Waukegan, and the wider Lake County community (October 25–26, 2025, 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake). This high-visibility, well-attended event provides a strategic opportunity for Rotary to address community health—one of Rotary’s areas of focus—by leveraging the existing audience and collaboration between organizations.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Health Department - Advocate Condell Medical Center & other local clinics - College of Lake County nursing/health students - Existing event organizers (Lake County Fairgrounds management, Home Show vendors) - Nonprofits such as Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
Next Steps: 1. Initiate Partnership: Approach the Lake County Home Show organizers to request a dedicated space for a health-focused Rotary booth or pavilion. 2. Recruit Service Partners: Invite local health providers and nonprofits to offer free health screenings (blood pressure, glucose, flu vaccines), wellness checks, mental health resources, and healthy living tips. 3. Volunteer Engagement: Mobilize Rotarians and high school/college volunteers for event logistics and multilingual outreach. 4. Publicize Widely: Promote the event through civic organizations, community Facebook groups, and local media before October. 5. Track & Report Outcomes: Collect data on screenings and referrals, and follow up with interested participants for potential Rotary Club membership and further outreach.
Project Idea 2: Supporting Youth & Art Education—Rotary “Community Canvas” Mural Collaboration
Context:
The “Canvas Mural Collaboration” at Beer Bazaar (October 12, 1 PM, 107 Center St, Grayslake) is an example of grassroots art engagement. Rotary can amplify this momentum by launching a broader public mural project that includes Gurnee, Waukegan, and neighboring Lake County towns. Art education and youth empowerment are aligned with Rotary’s focus on education and youth services. Public murals—in particular, those focused on community themes like diversity, mental health awareness, and environmental stewardship—can beautify public spaces and foster local pride.
Potential Partners: - Local artists and art educators (e.g., participants from Art at Home Show & Sale, college art departments) - Grayslake North High School & other area schools - Park district/community centers in Gurnee and Waukegan - Beer Bazaar and local businesses willing to donate wall space - Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts, etc.)
Next Steps: 1. Host a Kickoff Event: Start with a Community Canvas Day at an accessible central location (such as Grayslake, Gurnee, or Waukegan). 2. Issue a “Call for Artists & Youth Participants” through schools and social media, focusing on youth and young adult engagement. 3. Secure Wall Spaces & Materials: Work with local businesses and city councils to identify suitable mural locations; solicit sponsorships/donations for art supplies. 4. Mentor & Collaborate: Pair professional artists with student/youth teams, and design workshop days focusing on mural design and community storytelling. 5. Dedicate and Celebrate: Unveil the finished murals with a community celebration, inviting press and leaders to highlight Rotary's role, and link the project to broader educational outreach or after-school art initiatives.
1. Community Health: Medication Vending Machine Awareness & Safe Meds Disposal Drive
Context:
Recent news highlights the implementation of a vending machine for medications in Lake County, reflecting growing innovation in healthcare access. This also draws attention to safe medication use and disposal, especially to prevent accidental poisoning and environmental contamination. The area has a diverse population, including seniors and families who may benefit from easier access and more education.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Waukegan Park District
- Local pharmacies and hospitals (e.g., Vista Health System)
- Lake County Sheriff's Office (for drug take-back support)
- Community centers and senior living facilities
Next Steps:
- Organize informational sessions in Gurnee and Waukegan about safely using medication vending machines, including privacy and safety protocols.
- Hold a “Medication Take-Back Day” at public venues with law enforcement, promoting environmental best practices for medicine disposal.
- Collaborate with local schools and senior centers to distribute flyers and host discussions about prescription safety, and offer safe medication storage/disposal kits.
- Explore Rotary grant funding or sponsor an ongoing community medication safety campaign, including support for distribution of FDA-approved deactivation packets for unused medicines.
2. Education & Youth: Expanding Inclusive Programs for Students with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board recently promoted awareness of supportive services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. There is an ongoing need for inclusive community activities and educational support in Lake County. Rotary can build upon these efforts to support students and young adults in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the surrounding area.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools, Woodland District 50 in Gurnee)
- Woodlands Academy and other area schools
- Special Olympics Illinois, Gurnee Park District
- Local nonprofits serving people with disabilities (e.g., NISRA, Little City Foundation)
Next Steps:
- Launch an inclusive after-school program focused on arts, sports, or tech skills, with volunteers from Rotary and local high schools.
- Organize a community awareness event or resource fair highlighting available programs and featuring family speakers and service providers.
- Seek sponsorship from local businesses for funding adaptive equipment or scholarships for youth participation in camps and enrichment activities.
- Work with partners to develop a Rotary mentorship program pairing members or local professionals with students for one-on-one support and encouragement.
- Apply for Rotary District or Global Grants to expand access to inclusive programming and needed resources for local families.
1. Community Health & Safety Initiative: Addressing Rising Cancer Rates and Promoting Preventive Health
Context:
A recent report highlighted that cancer rates are rising among younger adults in Lake County, including Libertyville, Gurnee, and Waukegan. Dr. Abbie Miller, Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, emphasized the need for increased education and proactive health measures in the community.
Potential Partners:
- UnitedHealthcare of Illinois (Dr. Abbie Miller)
- Local hospitals and clinics (Lake County Health Department, Advocate Condell Medical Center)
- Local schools and youth organizations (Waukegan Public Schools, Gurnee Park District)
- Cancer support groups and wellness centers
Recommended Rotary Project:
Host a “Community Wellness and Early Cancer Detection Fair” with free screenings (skin, breast, testicular, colorectal, etc.), healthy lifestyle workshops, nutrition guidance, and informational sessions aimed at younger adults. Include stations on mental health and suicide prevention to broaden impact.
Next Steps:
- Connect with Dr. Abbie Miller and the UnitedHealthcare team to secure subject-matter experts and educational materials.
- Meet with Lake County Health Department to coordinate clinical support and secure mobile health vans for on-site screenings.
- Partner with local schools and workplaces to promote the event and encourage attendance, especially targeting younger adults.
- Seek sponsorships/donations to fund screening costs; engage local businesses for healthy food/snack donations.
- Schedule event at a centrally accessible site (e.g., Gurnee Mills, Waukegan Community Center), ensuring ADA compliance and transportation options.
- Organize Rotarian volunteers for event staffing, set-up, and logistics.
2. Environmental & Youth Engagement Project: Safe, Sustainable Mobility Education Campaign
Context:
The Libertyville Village Board recently voted to ban electric bikes and scooters in certain public areas, citing safety and environmental concerns. The ban reflects broader challenges across Lake County in balancing sustainable transportation options with concerns for public safety and responsible youth use.
Potential Partners:
- Local police and fire departments (Libertyville, Gurnee, Waukegan)
- School districts’ Parent-Teacher Associations
- Local bike shops and e-mobility retailers
- Environmental organizations (Lake County Forest Preserves, Lake County Sustainability Team)
- Youth advocacy groups (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Recommended Rotary Project:
Launch a “Ride Wise, Ride Safe” youth mobility education campaign. Host a community event that includes a safety skills “rodeo” for bikes and scooters, demonstrations on helmet use and traffic rules, repair workshops, and sessions on choosing sustainable transportation. Distribute free helmets and reflectors to promote safety, and provide info on local mobility laws and environmental benefits.
Next Steps:
- Meet with Libertyville and Lake County officials to define community concerns and gather official input.
- Collaborate with school administrators to incorporate educational assemblies and recruit students for peer-led safety outreach.
- Partner with local bike shops for equipment demos, donations, and repair workshops.
- Apply for local grants and sponsorships to fund safety gear giveaways.
- Develop age-appropriate educational materials and work with Rotary Youth Interact Clubs for volunteer leadership.
- Plan a high-profile kickoff event at a public park or school, inviting media coverage to reinforce the positive role of youth in building a safer, greener community.
Both initiatives address critical current needs in Lake County, leverage Rotary’s strengths in health, youth, and community service, and offer strong opportunities for transformative impact and visibility.