Based on the information from the October 12, 2025 stories and Rotary International’s areas of focus, here are two service or fundraising opportunities for Rotary clubs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Literacy & Freedom to Read Advocacy Project
Context:
A recent Letter to the Editor highlighted Banned Books Week and the ongoing importance of the Freedom to Read, showing that libraries and community members are concerned about book bans and access to diverse reading materials. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on education and literacy—critical issues, especially in diverse communities like Waukegan and Gurnee, where equitable access to books is essential for youth development and lifelong learning.
Potential Partners:
- Warren-Newport Public Library (Gurnee)
- Waukegan Public Library
- Illinois Library Association
- Local schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Woodland District 50)
- Local independent bookstores
- Advocacy organizations such as the American Library Association
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with library directors (e.g., Amanda Civitello at Warren-Newport Public Library) to discuss gaps in book access and instances of material challenges.
- Develop a fundraising plan for "Freedom to Read" book drives (prioritizing books from banned lists, diverse authors, and age-appropriate literature).
- Recruit Rotary volunteers for “Banned Books Read-Aloud Days” and host public forums supporting intellectual freedom.
- Launch a community grant: allow teachers and librarians to apply for mini-grants to buy challenged or high-interest diverse books.
- Publicize efforts through local media and existing Rotary communications.
2. Community Fall Gardening & Nutrition Initiative
Context:
Amid local gardening interest and with the area’s first frost arriving, there’s a timely need for fall maintenance and education regarding healthy food sources. Many residents may be struggling with food insecurity or lack knowledge about preparing gardens for spring. Community gardening promotes both environmental sustainability (Rotary area of focus) and community health.
Potential Partners:
- Chicago Botanic Garden satellite (Garden in a Box program)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Lake County Extension Office (University of Illinois)
- Local school and community gardens (e.g., GreenTown Waukegan)
- Village of Gurnee Community Services Department
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with the Lake County Extension Office to schedule free or low-cost “Fall Garden Prep” workshops at libraries, community centers, or housing complexes.
- Engage the Northern Illinois Food Bank to coordinate “harvest and donate” events—gathering surplus produce from home and school gardens for local pantries.
- Organize a tree-planting or pollinator habitat project ahead of winter, mobilizing Rotary volunteers and students.
- Seek sponsorships from local businesses for supplies (mulch, bulbs, garden tools) and promote citizen science (pollinator tracking, garden journaling).
- Document and share stories to encourage broader environmental stewardship.
These projects leverage current events, address immediate community needs, align with Rotary’s mission, and offer collaborative, visible ways for local clubs to make a meaningful impact.
Based on current news coverage and recent events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Downtown Beautification and Youth Engagement Project
Context:
Waukegan high school students and local artists have been actively decorating the downtown area, placing decorations on light poles and painting store windows to "make people feel good when they're here." This initiative brings vibrancy to the community, engages youth, supports local arts, and enhances community pride—closely aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus such as Youth, Community Development, and Economic Development.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan High School and local art teachers
- City of Waukegan - Department of Community Development
- Waukegan Main Street Downtown Association
- Local artists and art supply stores
- Businesses along the decorated streets
Next Steps:
- Contact Waukegan High School administrators (possibly art department chair) and the downtown association to inquire about expanding the project or creating a recurring “Adopt-a-Block” beautification initiative.
- Organize a fundraising event (e.g., community art walk or decoration contest) to support supplies and student artist scholarships.
- Develop a volunteer schedule for Rotary members to assist student teams in installing decorations, interacting with business owners, or mentoring young artists.
- Publicize the program through local media and coordinate with the City to ensure ongoing support and visibility.
2. Food Security and Community Support at Local Events
Context:
Events like the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival recently drew 100,000 visitors, raising funds for local causes (SaLT and Celebrate Highwood). Such gatherings reveal opportunities to support community health and food security: while some events fundraise for specific nonprofits, there remains year-round need for direct support to food insecure families, especially as inflation and transit costs (like upcoming Metra fare hikes) strain budgets.
Potential Partners:
- SaLT (Service and Learning Together, which serves vulnerable populations)
- Celebrate Highwood and other event organizers
- Northern Illinois Food Bank – Lake County
- Local grocery stores and farms
- Gurnee and Waukegan community meal programs/churches
Next Steps:
- Meet with SaLT and local event planners to propose Rotary-hosted “Food Forward” booths at major festivals, gathering non-perishable food items or raising funds for local pantries.
- Arrange for periodic Rotary-supported mobile food distributions, capitalizing on high attendance at regional events for both fundraising and awareness.
- Secure sponsorships and donations from local grocers and food vendors; involve Interact or Rotaract clubs for youth leadership.
- Develop a communication plan to promote donation opportunities and success stories, encouraging year-round giving and volunteerism.
Both projects harness visible recent activity, address pressing community needs, and offer ample opportunities for Rotary leadership and engagement in Lake County.
Certainly. Based on recent news from Lake County, specifically the spelling bee success story and broader themes relevant to Gurnee, Waukegan, and the county, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Youth Literacy & Academic Excellence Initiative
Context:
Local seventh-grader Visharad Sathish’s success in the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and advancement to the Scripps National Spelling Bee highlights the depth of youth talent in the community. Hundreds of students from 73 schools participated, underscoring strong interest in academic competitions and the benefits of literacy-focused extracurriculars.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Waukegan Public Library, Gurnee Public Library
- Local PTAs and school districts
- Businesses such as book stores or corporate sponsors focused on education (e.g., local Barnes & Noble, Learning Express)
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Regional Office of Education to explore launching a Rotary-funded “Spelling & Literacy Grant” for public schools, supporting spelling clubs, book clubs, or participation in academic competitions.
- Organize local fundraising events—such as a “Community Spelling Bee” where adults and business teams compete—to raise scholarship funds for resource-limited students.
- Coordinate with libraries on a year-round reading challenge, with Rotary volunteers providing mentorship or tutoring.
- Engage families—especially in Waukegan and Gurnee—through weekend literacy festivals or parent workshops, offering free books and literacy resources.
- Publicize stories of local role models like Visharad Sathish, inviting them to Rotary events to inspire younger students.
2. Youth Leadership & Skills Development Program
Context:
Lake County’s diverse student body, engagement in rigorous competitions like the spelling bee, and community-wide interest in youth achievement reveal an opportunity to further invest in developing life and leadership skills for local middle and high school youth.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- College of Lake County (for mentorship and leadership workshops)
- Youth-serving organizations/churches
- Community leaders, including past spelling bee champions like Visharad Sathish
Next Steps:
- Design a series of “Rotary Youth Empowerment Workshops” focused on communication, public speaking, study skills, goal-setting, and sportsmanship. These workshops could be held in partnership with schools or local nonprofit venues in Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Develop a youth recognition program: Celebrate local academic, arts, and athletics achievements with an annual Rotary “Youth Excellence Awards” dinner, serving as a fundraiser for scholarships.
- Recruit Rotarians and local experts to serve as mentors, judges, and speakers at youth events.
- Seek grant funding from the Rotary Foundation and local corporate partners to provide leadership camp scholarships for students who demonstrate commitment or potential.
- Collaborate with school counselors to identify students who could benefit most, focusing outreach on under-resourced communities within Lake County.
Both projects directly advance Rotary’s focus on education and youth development, bolstering academic achievement and life skills for future leaders in Gurnee, Waukegan, and across Lake County.
1. Youth Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Campaign
Context:
A recent report highlighted a concerning trend in Lake County: the resurgence of "whippits" (nitrous oxide canisters) being marketed to and abused by youth, described by local police chiefs as a "new wave of causing harm." This substance abuse issue is a threat to young people’s health and wellbeing, falling squarely within Rotary’s areas of focus on both disease prevention and supporting youth.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department, Substance Abuse Prevention Program
- Local school districts (Gurnee District 56, Waukegan CUSD 60, Grayslake Community HS District 127)
- Lake County Sheriff's Office & local police departments (especially Sugar Grove and Waukegan)
- Youth organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Hospital/health providers (Advocate Condell, NorthShore)
- Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning meeting with school representatives and the Health Department to gauge needs and gather data.
b. Develop an evidence-based awareness campaign, potentially including interactive workshops for parents and students, school-based assemblies, and social media outreach.
c. Seek speakers with expertise in youth mental health and substance abuse to lead sessions.
d. Roll out pilot programs in select schools, collect feedback, and expand reach across the county.
e. Plan a fundraising event (e.g., a community walk or trivia night) to support continued education efforts and provide materials like informational brochures.
2. Food Security Initiative: “Rotary Pantry Partners”
Context:
Local food pantries in the Grayslake/Gurnee area and across Lake County have reported a spike in visits over the past year, demonstrating increased community need. Food insecurity undermines family health and educational outcomes for children, and often spikes during economic downturns or as seasonal costs (like utilities) rise, making it harder for families to make ends meet.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (Waukegan Township Food Pantry, COOL Ministries, Avon Township Food Pantry)
- Grayslake Woman’s Non-Profit (noted for supporting the ill—could collaborate for broader health-focused aid)
- Local businesses for sponsorship (e.g., The Vine restaurant, newly expanding in Grayslake)
- Faith-based organizations and houses of worship
- Area schools (student and Interact/Rotaract Club participation)
Next Steps:
a. Meet with local pantries to determine current needs (food staples, hygiene products, volunteers, funding for cold storage, etc.).
b. Organize a community-wide food drive—in partnership with schools and businesses—focusing on in-demand staples and personal care items.
c. Create a recurring fundraising event or campaign (such as “Dining for Dollars” in partnership with local eateries) to support pantry operations and or emergency aid funds.
d. Recruit Rotary volunteers for distribution days, mentoring pantry clients, and supporting mobile pantry efforts in food deserts.
e. Explore grant opportunities from Rotary District and national hunger relief organizations for additional impact.
These projects directly address urgent, locally documented needs and offer multiple avenues for both service and fundraising, fully aligned with Rotary’s mission and values.
1. Community Youth Art & Culture Initiative: Canvas Mural Collaboration + Day of the Dead Collage Workshop
Context:
Recent events like the Canvas Mural Collaboration at Beer Bazaar (Oct 12) and Day of the Dead Collage Workshop at Grayslake North High School (Oct 23) reflect active interest in youth engagement through arts, cultural inclusivity, and creative community-building in Lake County. Rotary’s focus on supporting education and youth aligns with these needs, especially to provide positive outlets and safe spaces for area youth, and to foster intercultural understanding.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake North High School (site and participants)
- Local artists (e.g., those leading the mural event)
- Beer Bazaar (venue collaborator)
- Cultural organizations (e.g., Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, Latino cultural groups)
- Local schools and parent associations
Next Steps:
1. Connect with organizers (e.g., Grayslake North HS art faculty, Beer Bazaar management) to discuss expanding or co-sponsoring future mural and art workshops.
2. Assess needs (e.g., art supply donations, volunteer mentorship) and propose facilitating additional events focused on different youth populations (underserved, immigrant, or at-risk students).
3. Seek grant support through Rotary’s district fund and/or arts-focused foundations.
4. Organize a showcase event and/or auction of youth art work as a fundraiser for ongoing art/education projects or scholarships.
5. Engage local media to spotlight positive youth engagement and Rotary’s role.
2. Community Health & Wellness Resource Fair: Neuro Universe and Collaboration with Area Health Events
Context:
The upcoming Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair (Nov 15, Vernon Hills) highlights needs around neurodiversity awareness, access to local health resources, and community education. Coupled with regular community gatherings (e.g., Home Show at Lake County Fairgrounds, YMCA events), there is opportunity for Rotary to lead or co-sponsor targeted wellness fairs addressing mental health, neurodiverse support, and other pressing health concerns for families in Lake County, especially as many communities face barriers accessing support.
Potential Partners:
- Neuro Universe organizers and local advocacy groups (e.g., Autism Society of Illinois)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local hospitals/clinics (Advocate Condell, Vista Health System)
- Area YMCAs
- School Districts’ support services
Next Steps:
1. Attend Neuro Universe Celebration to network with providers and better understand resource needs.
2. Propose a Rotary-sponsored health & wellness resource fair in central Lake County, collaborating with established networks and featuring screenings, information, and resources for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
3. Recruit volunteers for event staffing, translation, or children’s activities.
4. Leverage Rotary’s network to secure health professionals, therapists, and vendors; offer Rotary grants or fundraising support as needed.
5. Measure impact by surveying participants and organizations for ongoing gaps and future collaboration opportunities.
1. Youth Empowerment & Violence Prevention Program
Context:
Recent tragic events, including the drive-by shooting of a 19-year-old at a birthday party in Ingleside, highlight the urgent need for youth-focused violence prevention and empowerment initiatives in Lake County, especially around Gurnee and Waukegan. These incidents point to systemic issues of youth safety, mental and emotional health, and a lack of constructive after-school and leadership activities.
Potential Partners: - Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Public Schools) - Law enforcement agencies (Lake County Sheriff's Office) - Lake County Community Foundation - Organizations like Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
Next Steps:
1. Convene a roundtable with community leaders, local police, educators, and non-profits to assess needs and identify existing violence prevention and youth empowerment programs.
2. Design a Rotary-led series of workshops or mentorship programs focusing on:
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership skills
- Mental health resources
- Career/educational pathways
3. Seek grant support (both Rotary District and local foundations) and donations to fund program materials, support counselors, or stipends for youth leaders.
4. Organize a kickoff community event to raise awareness and recruit volunteers—potentially in partnership with schools or community centers in Waukegan or Gurnee.
2. Environmental Sustainability & Community Garden Initiative
Context:
Recent positive coverage around the success and prestige of local educational institutions (e.g., Woodlands Academy), combined with Lake County's reputation for beautiful natural spaces, presents an opportunity to enhance hands-on environmental education and food security. Furthermore, with the report of a Lake Forest mansion's private garden being a point of interest, there’s public enthusiasm for garden spaces and green initiatives.
Potential Partners: - Local schools (Woodlands Academy, public schools in Waukegan and Gurnee) - Park districts and the Lake County Forest Preserves - Garden clubs or Master Gardener groups - Houses of worship and community centers (for shared garden space)
Next Steps: 1. Reach out to school leadership and local parks to gauge interest in establishing or supporting a community/school garden. 2. Develop a project model for a pollinator or vegetable garden that includes sustainability education components for youth and families. 3. Organize an environmental clean-up and initial garden installation day, inviting Rotary members, students, parents, and local businesses. 4. Recruit volunteers to sustain garden maintenance and create educational programming—potentially hosting workshops on nutrition, native plants, or composting, thus amplifying Rotary’s impact in environment and education. 5. Seek funding or donations for starter materials (seeds, tools, raised beds), perhaps by partnering with local businesses (e.g., Waukegan Tire could sponsor benches or tools branded for community use).
Both initiatives align closely with Rotary’s areas of focus—supporting peace and conflict resolution through youth work, and environmental sustainability through education and action.
Based on the recent news and needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL (including recent incidents, youth issues, and community events), here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that directly align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Safety & Violence Prevention Initiative
Context:
A 19-year-old man was killed in a drive-by shooting while attending a birthday party in Ingleside, Lake County. There are also reports of serious carjackings with children and pregnant women involved, highlighting youth access to violence and trauma. A Police Chief warns about the return of “whippits" (inhalant abuse) among area youth.
Relevant Rotary Area(s) of Focus:
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
- Maternal and Child Health
- Disease Prevention and Treatment (drug/substance abuse)
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Waukegan and Gurnee Police Departments
- Local schools and PTAs (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School in Gurnee)
- Youth services organizations (YouthBuild Lake County, Lake County After School Coalition)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local mental health providers (Nicasa Behavioral Health Services)
Next Steps:
- Convene a listening session/forum with local law enforcement, affected families, and youth-focused organizations to clarify the needs and existing efforts.
- Develop a targeted community grant to fund peer mentorship, after-school safe spaces, or violence prevention counseling programs.
- Organize a fundraising walk or dinner in partnership with local businesses, highlighting testimonials from those impacted by youth violence.
- Explore Rotary’s global grants for mental health/youth violence and link local efforts to best practices.
2. Environmental Action: Solar Café and Green Education Project
Context:
A local news report highlights “the country’s first solar café” and a Nobel Prize winner in medicine from Elmhurst (adjacent to Lake County), showing regional pride in science and sustainability. The area also just voted to ban electric bikes and scooters from certain zones, indicating a need for more positive environmental engagement opportunities.
Relevant Rotary Area(s) of Focus:
- Environment
- Education and Literacy
- Community Economic Development
Potential Partners:
- Clean Power Lake County (local environmental advocacy)
- The Solar Café (visit and partner for education sessions)
- Lake County Forest Preserves District (for outdoor events/workshops)
- Local schools’ STEM programs (Libertyville High School, North Chicago Community High School)
- College of Lake County (environmental studies department)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Green Innovation Day” at the Solar Café or similar venue, featuring solar energy demos, Nobel Prize science exhibits, and hands-on learning for youth and family.
- Work with local schools to sponsor field trips or contests for environmental science inventions or projects—fund prizes/scholarships through a Rotary fundraiser.
- Launch a community Solar Panel Learning Project: partner with Solar Café to offer workshops on residential solar, job training, and energy conservation.
- Apply for Rotary district or global grants supporting environmental sustainability and education initiatives locally.
Both opportunities address immediate community needs—promoting youth safety/mental health and fostering environmental stewardship and education—while fitting Rotary’s mission and providing multiple partnership and visibility opportunities.