Based on the October 22, 2025, local news and community updates from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, pertinent Rotary service and fundraising opportunities are as follows:
1. Community Health & Nutrition: Local Healthy Cooking Demonstrations and Food Drives
Context:
Two of the lead articles of the day spotlighted recipes (truffle mac and cheese by Grace Carnovale and an applesauce cake by Don Mauer), reflecting community interest in food and cooking. Though these dishes are “special” and comfort-focused, they also call attention to the area’s broader issues with food access and healthy choices, especially as economic challenges continue in Lake County. Historically, Lake County (particularly Waukegan) has had pockets of food insecurity, and local pantries often report increased demand during the fall and winter. Connecting culinary interest with food access aligns strongly with Rotary’s area of focus on disease prevention and health, as well as supporting mothers and children.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Waukegan to College (for student volunteers)
- Local chefs and nutritionists (such as Grace Carnovale and Don Mauer)
- Community centers and faith-based groups
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the above culinary contributors about supporting or headlining “community cook night” events featuring healthy, accessible recipes.
- Organize a healthy-cooking class and food drive at a school or community center in Waukegan or Gurnee, ensuring recipes focus on nutrition and available pantry staples.
- Coordinate volunteer and financial support from Rotary, and set up donation drives for shelf-stable goods.
- Promote the event through local schools, pantries, and the Daily Herald’s community calendar.
- After the event, provide follow-up materials or virtual demos for ongoing neighborhood healthy eating.
2. Youth Engagement & Public Safety Awareness: Teen-Led Traffic Safety Campaigns
Context:
A major editorial from the day focuses on highway safety and commercial truck load limits, underscoring ongoing community attention to traffic safety in Lake County. The regional interstate corridors around Gurnee and Waukegan see heavy traffic from both local and freight vehicles, making roadway risks top-of-mind, especially for young drivers. This aligns with Rotary’s focus on youth and community safety and offers an excellent leadership opportunity for area teens.
Potential Partners:
- High schools in Gurnee and Waukegan (e.g., Warren Township High School, Waukegan High School)
- Lake County Division of Transportation
- Illinois State Police or local police departments
- Safe Kids Lake County Coalition
Next Steps:
- Request a meeting with high school principals and student councils to propose establishing a “Rotary Teen Roadway Safety Ambassadors” club or program.
- Partner with transportation authorities to develop workshops and peer-to-peer safety presentations on topics such as distracted driving, speeding, and sharing the road with trucks.
- Apply for Rotary District or local grants to fund outreach materials (signage, social media campaigns, safety swag).
- Host a Youth Summit or Safety Week at area schools with demonstrations, guest speakers (including law enforcement and safety experts), and a student-developed “safe driving pledge.”
- Measure impact with pre- and post-initiative behavioral surveys, and recognize student leaders at a Rotary luncheon or community day.
Both projects tie directly to current events, reflect topical community needs, and offer scope for visible, impactful Rotary service in the heart of Lake County.
Certainly! Based on recent headlines and community context from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations aligned with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Safety Empowerment: Supporting Immigrant Families
Context:
Recent news highlighted federal immigration enforcement activities in Lake County, including significant arrests and heightened fear among immigrant residents of North Chicago, Waukegan, and surrounding communities. Mayor Leon Rockingham of North Chicago signed an order aimed at making the city “a safe and welcoming place for all.” There is a local need for supporting immigrant families with accurate information, access to essential services, and fostering trust between families and community institutions.
Potential Partners:
- North Chicago city administration and Mayor’s office
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake)
- Local schools and parent groups
- Legal aid organizations (e.g., Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
Next Steps:
- Organize a “Community Resource & Wellness Fair” in partnership with local community centers, providing free workshops on legal rights, mental health resources, and healthcare navigation for immigrant families.
- Offer ‘Know Your Rights’ sessions, food distribution, and basic health screenings.
- Create a simple Rotary-funded grant for emergency legal and health assistance for affected families.
- Begin discussions with city officials and trusted nonprofits to determine best timing and location, ensuring safety and trust for participants.
2. Youth Education & Historical Literacy: Civil War Reenactment and Educational Outreach
Context:
Hundreds recently attended the educational Civil War reenactment in Hainesville, which emphasized learning historical lessons and engaging youth in local history. There is interest and attendance from area families and schools, but opportunities exist to make these experiences even more accessible, interactive, and grounded in current curriculum needs—especially in underserved areas of Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56 & 121)
- Lake County Historical Society
- Community theater groups and historical reenactors
- Youth-serving organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Develop an “Interactive History Day” or “Mobile History Museum” that brings living history programs and artifacts directly to area schools in Waukegan and Gurnee, focusing on underserved students.
- Fund transportation, educational materials, and participation for schools that otherwise could not afford involvement.
- Collaborate with local historians and reenactment organizers to tailor the programming to connect with literacy, social studies, and civic engagement outcomes.
- Reach out to local educators, administrators, and reenactment leaders to coordinate timing and educational content, leveraging Rotary volunteers for logistics and outreach.
By establishing these initiatives, local Rotary Clubs can make tangible contributions in line with Rotary priorities—supporting healthy, informed families and fostering robust, inclusive education for youth.
Based on recent news and emerging needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, here are two Rotary service or fundraising project recommendations that align with Rotary's areas of focus:
1. Lake County Youth Literacy & Academic Enrichment Initiative
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy; Supporting Education
Context:
The recent Lake County Regional Spelling Bee highlighted the dedication, effort, and academic potential of local middle school students such as Visharad Sathish, who is advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. With participation from 73 schools and hundreds of students, it's clear there's a strong culture of academic engagement in the county. However, spelling bee success often correlates with access to resources such as books, study materials, and mentoring—resources not all students may have equally.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan, Lake Forest Country Day School)
- Area libraries
- Local bookstores
- Parent-Teacher Organizations
Next Steps:
- Meet with the Regional Office of Education to discuss student needs for literacy resources across the county, particularly targeting underserved schools.
- Launch a “Words for Winners” book and resource drive, collecting dictionaries, age-appropriate reading material, and subscriptions (digital/print) to donate to local schools and libraries.
- Organize tutoring and mentoring sessions led by Rotarians and local volunteers, possibly including past spelling bee participants, to help interested students build their literacy and vocabulary skills.
- Consider an annual Rotary-sponsored academic celebration event, scholarship, or grant for top performers or for schools demonstrating substantial engagement in literacy.
2. Community Well-Being & Parental Support in a Climate of Uncertainty
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health; Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Context:
Recent headlines highlight growing anxiety among families and students in Lake County due to increased immigration enforcement actions (e.g., “Federal agents recently arrested at least 16 in Lake County: ‘Increasing the terror and fear in our community’”). This climate of uncertainty and concern can disrupt student learning, family well-being, and overall community trust.
Potential Partners:
- Local schools’ social work and counseling departments
- Immigrant and refugee resource organizations (e.g., Mano A Mano Family Resource Center in Round Lake)
- Houses of worship and community centers
- YWCA Lake County
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Partner with local experts to offer free workshops and informational sessions for parents, students, and educators on rights, stress management, and resources available for families experiencing fear or anxiety related to enforcement activity.
- Organize a “Safe Spaces” resource fair, connecting families with legal, educational, and well-being resources, including mental health support, in partnership with trusted local agencies.
- Train Rotarians as volunteer liaisons to assist newcomer and immigrant families with navigating school systems and community services, helping to bridge trust and information gaps.
- Fundraise for scholarships or school emergency funds to support students who may be financially or emotionally impacted by parental detention or deportation.
These initiatives directly respond to current local news and needs, align with Rotary values and focus areas, and offer tangible, supportive action benefitting the youth and broader Lake County community.
1. Lake County Food Security Initiative - Context: Local food pantries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and the broader Lake County are reporting a major spike in visits, compounded by the potential end of SNAP benefits for 1.9 million Illinois residents due to the looming federal government shutdown. This threatens food security for thousands of local families and vulnerable individuals, making support for local pantries and food distribution organizations an urgent need. - Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health (Supporting Disease Prevention and Treatment), Community Economic Development - Potential Partners: - Northern Illinois Food Bank - COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan) - Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee) - Local congregations and nonprofit groups - School districts (for backpack and holiday food programs) - Next Steps: 1. Contact pantry directors (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan) to identify biggest needs—food types, volunteers, delivery logistics. 2. Coordinate a robust food drive and fundraising campaign, uniting Rotary clubs in Gurnee and Waukegan, local schools, and businesses (e.g., The Vine in Grayslake) for matching donations or hosting collection boxes. 3. Organize volunteer days, both for food collection and for distribution/stocking, with special focus on upcoming holidays and potential SNAP interruptions. 4. Develop a community education campaign to inform residents about available resources and SNAP changes, in collaboration with municipal governments and social service agencies.
2. Youth Empowerment and Mental Health Through the Arts - Context: Grayslake is seeing a vibrant schedule of arts and youth-focused events, such as the Grayslake Arts Alliance Writers’ Group and the presence of local sports playoffs. With youth facing unprecedented stress—from economic uncertainty and social upheaval (including politically charged events like protests)—providing constructive creative and emotional outlets is critical. - Rotary Area of Focus: Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, and Disease Prevention (Mental Health) - Potential Partners: - Grayslake Arts Alliance - Grayslake Park District - Local high schools and middle schools (e.g., Grayslake Central) - Mental health nonprofit organizations (e.g., Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force) - Existing Rotary Interact clubs - Next Steps: 1. Contact the Grayslake Arts Alliance about collaborating on expanded youth workshops (creative writing, art therapy, performance), inclusive of students from Gurnee and Waukegan. 2. Apply for Rotary district grants to fund art supplies, facilitators, and scholarships for under-resourced youth. 3. Partner with school counselors and mental health professionals to develop programming that identifies and assists at-risk youth, integrating creative expression with social-emotional support. 4. Host a Rotary Art-Mental Wellness Festival, offering workshops, performances, and resource booths for youth and families, co-sponsored by local businesses and clinicians. 5. Evaluate program impact via pre/post surveys with participants and work with school/community partners to identify ongoing needs and success stories to share with Rotary International.
1. Youth Arts & Culture Empowerment Program (Aligns with: Youth, Education, Community Development)
Context:
The Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) Collage Workshop at Grayslake North High School demonstrates existing community interest and engagement around cultural arts, with a focus on youth participation. As the Lake County region, including Gurnee and Waukegan, features growing Hispanic/Latino populations (Waukegan is nearly 50% Hispanic/Latino), supporting youth enrichment and cultural understanding responds both to diversity and the vital need for creative educational outlets after long periods of pandemic disruption.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake North High School & Waukegan Public Schools
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center (Round Lake Park)
- Lake County Library System
- Waukegan Park District (which already hosts cultural festivals)
- Local Hispanic arts groups and artists
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with arts teachers and school officials at Grayslake North and Waukegan high schools to assess interest and timing.
- Connect with Mano a Mano and the Waukegan Park District to determine opportunities for partnership and outreach in underserved areas.
- Plan a series of rotating art workshops (e.g., collage, mural painting, storytelling through art), culminating in a region-wide youth art exhibition or participation in local cultural festivals.
- Seek local foundation grants, Rotary matching grants, and possible sponsorship from businesses at the Lake County Home Show.
- Recruit Rotarians as workshop volunteers and mentors.
- Coordinate with local media to promote youth voices and art around themes of inclusion, heritage, and community healing.
2. Community Health & Environmental Sustainability Day (Aligns with: Community Health, Environment, Disease Prevention)
Context:
With multiple large public events upcoming—such as the Fall Grayslake Farmers Market, Lake County Home Show, and the Grayslake Greenery Garden Club’s gardening event—a visible gap is support for healthy living, environmental education, and direct outreach on wellness resources. Lake County continues to face disparities in health outcomes, especially in Waukegan and Round Lake, and increased community health awareness remains a need. Environmental preservation, highlighted by the Greenery Garden Club, also aligns with Rotary’s new focus area.
Potential Partners:
- Grayslake Farmers Market organizers
- Lake County Health Department
- Greenery Garden Club
- Advocate Condell Medical Center, Waukegan
- Local food pantries such as COOL Ministries (Waukegan)
- Lake County Forest Preserves District
- Village of Gurnee and Waukegan Sustainability Committees
Next Steps:
- Collaborate with Farmers Market and Green Club organizers for a ‘Rotary Health & Environment Day’ booth to provide free health screenings (BP, diabetes risk), flu shots, and healthy cooking tastings using local produce.
- Organize a community composting or recycling drive during the event, in partnership with Lake County Forest Preserves and municipal recycling programs.
- Distribute information about local health resources, vaccinations, and nutrition classes via Lake County Health Department.
- Solicit donations at the Home Show for environmental and health programs, perhaps pledging donations per attendee or launching a ‘Sponsor a Garden’ initiative for low-income residents.
- Recruit medical and environmental professionals among Rotary members and local businesses to provide expertise and volunteering.
- Plan follow-up workshops at schools or the YMCA (“Halloween at the Y”), building relationships with families for sustained impact.
These projects leverage community traditions and immediate needs, offering measurable benefit to youth, families, and the broader Lake County community.
1. Food Security Initiative in Response to Potential Loss of SNAP Benefits
Context:
Recent news indicates that up to 1.9 million Illinois residents may lose SNAP (food stamp) benefits if the government shutdown continues past November 1. Lake County communities, including Waukegan and Gurnee, will be directly affected, leading to an increased demand for food assistance among vulnerable families and individuals.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries (e.g., COOL Ministries in Waukegan, Village Church of Gurnee Food Pantry)
- Lake County Health Department
- Local grocery stores (Jewel-Osco, Walmart, ALDI, Mariano’s)
- School districts (to identify families in need)
Next Steps:
- Organize an emergency food drive and funds collection campaign, focusing efforts in Waukegan, Gurnee, and surrounding areas.
- Coordinate with Northern Illinois Food Bank and local pantries to assess most urgent needs and schedule large-scale community food distributions.
- Mobilize Rotary volunteers for sorting, packing, and delivering food boxes.
- Arrange for “pop-up” food distribution events in collaboration with schools and community centers.
- Leverage social media and press releases to encourage local businesses and civic groups to support the campaign, either through donations or in-kind contributions.
- Monitor the government shutdown situation and adapt response strategies as necessary.
Rotary Area of Focus Alignment: Disease Prevention and Treatment (by ensuring nutrition), Community Economic Development, and Supporting Education (since child hunger affects school performance).
2. Youth Empowerment & Education Support Partnership with Woodlands Academy and Local Schools
Context:
Woodlands Academy in Lake Forest was recently honored with the Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools award for excellence and is hosting open house events. This success story creates an opportunity to foster partnerships that can uplift other area schools—especially in neighboring Waukegan and Gurnee, where students may face greater barriers to academic achievement.
Potential Partners:
- Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Waukegan Public Schools and Gurnee School Districts
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- College of Lake County (youth enrichment and mentoring programs)
- Local business sponsors (Waukegan Tire, The Episcopal Preschool, T-Mobile)
Next Steps:
- Launch a Rotary mentorship and academic enrichment initiative, connecting Blue Ribbon school educators and student leaders with schools in underserved areas (e.g., through tutoring, STEM days, or leadership workshops).
- Coordinate with Woodlands Academy to host joint education events, virtual panels, or exchange days for students in Waukegan or Gurnee to experience high-achieving academic environments.
- Offer mini-grants or scholarships for teachers/students in target districts to implement innovative educational projects or attend enrichment programs.
- Advocate for local business support and Rotary fundraising to sustain long-term scholarship, supplies, and transportation support for participating youth.
- Measure impact through student participation, engagement, and feedback from partner schools.
Rotary Area of Focus Alignment: Supporting Education and Growing Local Economies (by building academic and leadership skills among local youth).
1. Emergency Food Support Initiative (Community Health, Support for Vulnerable Populations)
Context:
Recent reports indicate that up to 1.9 million Illinois residents, including many in Lake County, may lose SNAP (food stamp) benefits if a federal government shutdown continues. This will severely impact food security for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding areas. Immediate community intervention will be critical if benefits are disrupted.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank (serves Lake County)
- Local pantries: COOL Ministries Food Pantry (Waukegan), Avon Township Food Pantry
- Local churches or faith-based groups (e.g., Faith Lutheran Church, host of upcoming community events)
- Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Organize an emergency food drive and/or fundraising campaign to stock local food pantries.
- Mobilize Rotary members and local volunteers for coordinated food distribution events.
- Leverage Rotary’s network to publicize need and solicit both monetary and non-perishable food donations from local businesses and residents.
- Coordinate with food pantry leaders to target high-need neighborhoods and fill gaps if SNAP benefits are cut or delayed.
- Consider "pop-up" food distributions at community hubs like churches or schools, ensuring accessible hours and culturally appropriate food options.
2. Youth Safety and Mental Health Resilience Program (Education, Youth, Community Health)
Context:
The recent fatal shooting at the Great Lakes Naval Station housing complex and community trauma associated with violent incidents—including the carjacking and attack on a pregnant mother—underscore an urgent need for youth mental health support, violence prevention, and community-building in Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- Youth & Family Counseling (Libertyville, Lake County)
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office (community programs)
- Schools (e.g., Waukegan High School, Gurnee schools)
- Existing youth outreach or mentoring organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Propose a Rotary-supported youth mental health awareness workshop series for local schools/community centers, featuring trauma-informed counselors and peer-to-peer support training.
- Develop or fund after-school and weekend programs focused on violence prevention, leadership, and emotional resilience.
- Partner with law enforcement and counseling experts for sessions on conflict resolution, safe reporting, and crisis resources.
- Explore launching a small grant or scholarship fund for youth projects addressing mental health, violence prevention, or positive community engagement.
- Leverage upcoming community events (e.g., Trunk or Treat at Faith Lutheran) for outreach, information tables, and resource distribution.
These initiatives address immediate needs while supporting Rotary’s commitment to community health, education, and youth empowerment in Lake County.