Based on the selection of news and upcoming events for the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area as of November 6, 2025, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health & Youth Engagement: Rotary-Community Youth Sports Health Initiative
Context:
With local attention on high school football playoffs (highlighted by Mike Miazga’s feature), there is clear community engagement with youth sports in Lake County. However, postseason sports also bring increased risk of injury, expose gaps in access to healthcare screening, and highlight needs for mental health support for student-athletes.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools and athletic departments (e.g., Waukegan High School, Warren Township High School in Gurnee)
- Advocate Aurora Health, Lake County Health Department
- Local physical therapy clinics, sports medicine practices
- Mental health nonprofits such as NAMI Lake County
Next Steps:
- Reach out to athletic directors to identify greatest needs (pre-injury physicals, concussion awareness, mental health workshops, etc.).
- Organize a free weekend health and wellness fair for student athletes and families before upcoming sports seasons. Include sports physicals, sports safety presentations, and confidential mental health resources for both athletes and parents.
- Fundraise through a community sports night, inviting former pro/college athletes from the area, with proceeds funding ongoing access to care for underserved athletes.
2. Environmental Awareness & Education: Rotary-Garden Club Green Youth Workshop Series
Context:
The home & garden calendar (Nov. 9-15) shows an active local gardening community, but there is opportunity to engage youth and promote stewardship of the environment—directly tying to Rotary’s focus on environmental sustainability and education.
Potential Partners:
- Local garden clubs and the University of Illinois Extension – Lake County Master Gardeners
- Gurnee Park District, Waukegan Park District
- Local schools and youth organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Sustainable gardening and conservation experts
Next Steps:
- Partner with upcoming garden club events to launch a “Green Youth” workshop series: hands-on learning about composting, native plants, pollinators, and creating eco-friendly gardens.
- Leverage Rotary funds/grants to supply materials (starter kits, seeds, small tools) for low-income youth participants.
- Organize a spring “Eco-Fair” at a local park, showcasing youth projects and sustainable gardening tips for the broader community, inviting families and residents for greater impact.
- Publicize the program through school newsletters, park district bulletins, and Rotary’s social channels to encourage broad participation and volunteer support.
Both opportunities address current community activities and needs while advancing Rotary priorities in health, youth, education, and the environment.
Here are two Rotary project ideas based on recent news and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, aligning with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Youth Education Enrichment and Support—Celebrating and Expanding Gifted Programs
Context:
A recent story highlighted two Lake County children accepted into a genius organization, indicating a presence of highly gifted youth in the community. However, there’s typically a lack of enrichment opportunities and recognition for gifted children, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Furthermore, supporting these students and their families helps both educational attainment and youth development—key Rotary areas of focus.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, Gurnee School District 56)
- Mensa or similar gifted/talented organizations
- Lake County Regional Office of Education
- Parent and teacher associations
Next Steps:
- Convene a roundtable with guidance counselors, gifted coordinators, and parents to identify current gaps in programming and support for advanced learners.
- Design a “Gifted Youth Enrichment Day” or mentoring program, featuring workshops, STEAM activities, and guest speakers—Rotarians with STEM/business backgrounds can serve as mentors.
- Secure sponsorships or grants to fund program materials and potentially offer scholarships for gifted youth camp fees or competitions.
- Organize a fundraising event (such as a trivia night or walk/run) to support gifted program expenses in underfunded schools.
2. Community Health and Safety Initiative—Pedestrian Safety Awareness & Infrastructure Grants
Context:
Following the tragic news of a pedestrian fatality in Zion, and with traffic and pedestrian safety a recurring concern in Lake County, there's a clear need to improve education and infrastructure for pedestrian safety. Rotary’s focus on community health and public safety aligns directly with this need.
Potential Partners:
- Local law enforcement agencies (Zion Police, Waukegan Police)
- Lake County Division of Transportation
- School districts (for safe routes to school initiatives)
- Advocacy groups like the Active Transportation Alliance
Next Steps:
- Initiate a community assessment to identify pedestrian “danger zones” near schools, parks, and senior centers.
- Develop and deliver a Pedestrian Safety Awareness campaign—including school assemblies, bilingual materials, and helmet/reflective gear giveaway events.
- Explore working with the Lake County Division of Transportation to co-fund small-scale infrastructure improvements (crosswalk signs, flashing lights, sidewalk repairs).
- Apply for district or Rotary Foundation grants, and host a community fundraising dinner to match grant funds for local safety projects.
- Partner with law enforcement on “walk to school days” to educate youth and collect data on problem intersections.
By focusing on youth enrichment and community safety, these initiatives address timely needs and can create high-visibility, high-impact Rotary service and fundraising opportunities in Lake County.
1. Lake County Youth Literacy & Academic Achievement Fundraiser (Education, Youth)
Context: Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish’s victory at the regional spelling bee and advancement to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., highlights the presence of talented youth and strong academic programs in the region. With 73 local schools and hundreds of students participating, interest in academic enrichment is high. However, participation in national competitions and advanced learning opportunities often presents financial hurdles for families and schools, especially in under-resourced parts of Lake County, Waukegan, and Gurnee.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education - Local School Districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee District 56) - Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) - Local libraries - Corporate sponsors (Abbott, CDW, local banks) - Service organizations (Kiwanis, Boys & Girls Club) - Lake County News-Sun (media partner)
Next Steps: - Reach out to Lake County Regional Office of Education to identify schools/students in need of financial support for academic competitions or enrichment programs. - Convene a planning committee with local educators and PTAs to assess priority needs and gaps. - Launch a fundraising campaign (e.g., "Send Our Spellers & Scholars to Nationals") through community events, online platforms, and local business sponsorship. - Organize spelling bee exhibitions or literacy fairs to raise awareness, generate excitement, and foster mentorship opportunities between past champions like Visharad Sathish and younger students. - Coordinate with libraries to provide free spelling and literacy resources for all youth.
2. Environmental Awareness and Youth Engagement Initiative (Environment, Youth)
Context: Lake County and its communities, including Waukegan and Gurnee, contain important natural assets, from forest preserves to Lake Michigan shoreline. There are ongoing concerns and opportunities about environmental stewardship, particularly among youth. Rotary’s focus on environmental sustainability can address both immediate needs and support long-term change by engaging students in hands-on conservation and environmental science activities.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Forest Preserves - Local environmental organizations (e.g., Solid Waste Agency of Lake County - SWALCO, Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group) - School ecology clubs & science teachers - Park districts (Gurnee, Waukegan) - Local business sponsors interested in sustainability - Youth service organizations (Scouts, YMCA)
Next Steps: - Meet with representatives from Lake County Forest Preserves and local school districts to discuss needs and opportunities for youth engagement. - Develop a calendar of youth-led environmental events: park cleanups, tree planting days, invasive species removal, and citizen science water testing. - Organize an "Environmental Youth Conference" or Earth Day fair with workshops and presentations by environmental experts, open to all area students. - Set up an environmental grants or mini-awards program for schools or youth groups proposing local sustainability projects. - Run an awareness campaign in conjunction with local media and Rotary clubs to promote youth involvement and highlight ongoing efforts.
Each of these initiatives directly aligns with Rotary’s core areas of focus and can be adapted or expanded as community needs evolve.
1. Holiday Food Security Drive (Aligned with Rotary Areas: Community Health, Economic Development, Basic Needs)
Context:
The recent news that "Chicago-Area Food Pantries See Spike In Visits Over Past Year" signals growing food insecurity in Lake County, including Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake. As the winter season and holidays approach, these needs become more urgent, impacting families, children, and the elderly.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local food pantries such as COOL Ministries (Waukegan), Avon Township Community Food Pantry (Grayslake), and Warren Township Food Pantry (Gurnee)
- Local high schools and community colleges for student volunteers
- Area faith organizations (churches, synagogues, mosques)
- Area businesses for sponsorships or matching donations
Next Steps:
- Connect with pantry leaders (e.g., COOL Ministries director Rev. Robb McCoy, Avon Township Supervisor, etc.) to assess priority needs (food, personal essentials, holiday meal kits).
- Organize a community-wide holiday food drive, utilizing Rotary’s volunteer base, and promote at community events like the Festival of Lights and Holiday Markets.
- Coordinate with youth/student groups and Scout troops for collection or delivery assistance.
- Explore grant opportunities or match fundraising campaigns with local businesses.
- Provide Rotarian volunteers to help with inventory, packaging, and distribution throughout the winter.
2. Youth Empowerment Workshop: Preventing Violence & Promoting Safe Communities (Aligned with Rotary Areas: Youth, Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Education)
Context:
Several local news stories point to rising youth challenges, including a recent "Teens arrested in Grayslake shooting incident" and "Man Allows Minors To Drink Alcohol At Home" (Beach Park), as well as the tragic domestic violence incident in Libertyville. These events underscore a pressing community need to address youth safety, conflict resolution, and healthy choices.
Potential Partners:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter, Gurnee)
- Local law enforcement (Grayslake or Waukegan Police Departments' community outreach units)
- School districts 121 (Warren Township), 60 (Waukegan), and 127 (Grayslake)
- Nonprofits such as A Safe Place (domestic violence prevention) and Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning committee with the above partners to assess gaps in current youth engagement and violence prevention programming.
- Launch a series of interactive workshops for teens and parents, focusing on conflict de-escalation, understanding the consequences of violence/substance use, and building life/leadership skills.
- Include panels with local law enforcement, mental health professionals, and peer mentors (possibly alumni from Boys & Girls Club or former program participants).
- Host at school auditoriums, park district facilities, or Boys & Girls Club locations, leveraging Rotary's organizational resources and volunteer facilitators.
- Evaluate impact and opportunities for expansion in future school semesters or at community events.
These projects address immediate local concerns with tangible and long-term community outcomes, aligned with Rotary’s mission and focus areas.
1. Veterans Support and Community Health: “Home Care for Heroes” Service Project
Context:
Assure Home Assist, Inc. is launching a Free 2-Hour In-Home Care initiative for local veterans in Libertyville (Nov 6 & 11), in honor of Veterans Day. This highlights both the ongoing need for in-home support for aging or disabled veterans in Lake County and a lack of comprehensive, ongoing services. Rotary’s area of focus on disease prevention, community health, and supporting veterans aligns perfectly here. Many local veterans communities, including in Waukegan and Gurnee, face barriers to healthcare access, safe aging-in-place, and social isolation.
Potential Partners:
- Assure Home Assist, Inc. (as service provider/trainer)
- Local veterans’ organizations [e.g., Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation]
- Lake County Health Department
- CAP agencies and churches for outreach
Next Steps:
a. Convene a meeting with Assure Home Assist and area veterans’ groups to identify ongoing needs beyond the November initiative.
b. Create a “Home Care for Heroes” day or ongoing monthly program staffed by Rotarians and volunteers, providing company, basic home maintenance, and/or professional in-home medical services for veterans in need.
c. Organize a spring fundraiser or Veterans Day Gala in partnership with other civic groups to both raise awareness and funding for expanded service coverage.
d. Launch a public information campaign (flyers, social media, events at the farmers market, etc.) to encourage local veterans to register for these services and to recruit additional volunteers.
2. Neurodiversity, Youth Empowerment, and Inclusive Education: “Neuro Universe Resource Rally”
Context:
The Neuro Universe Celebration & Resource Fair in Vernon Hills (Nov 15) highlights the rising demand for services, social opportunities, and resources for youth and families affected by neurodevelopmental differences (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities) in Lake County. There’s a growing community and a resource gap, including for underserved families. This aligns with Rotary’s focuses on education, youth, and supporting diversity/inclusion.
Potential Partners:
- Neuro Universe and other participating nonprofits
- Local special education departments (Waukegan, Gurnee, Grayslake school districts)
- Local autism and ADHD advocates (e.g., North Suburban Special Education District)
- Hawthorn Mall management (event venue)
Next Steps:
a. Sponsor a “Neurodiversity Resource Rally” in spring or fall—a larger event bringing together schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and families county-wide.
b. Recruit expert speakers and local therapists to provide workshops for parents and educators on inclusion, new therapies, and supportive technologies.
c. Fundraise for sensory-friendly classrooms or donate adaptive equipment to local schools—tie proceeds to Rotary’s event.
d. Work with vendors and the mall to provide breakout spaces, sensory rooms, and volunteer Rotarian guides to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
e. Collaborate with local businesses to offer internship or mentoring opportunities for neurodiverse youth.
Each of these actions leverages local momentum and Rotary’s strengths, addressing demonstrated needs while building sustainable community partnerships in Lake County.
1. Lithium-Ion Battery Safety/Electronics Recycling Campaign (Environment, Community Safety)
Context:
A recent fire in a Lake Forest garbage truck was caused by improper disposal of a lithium-ion battery. This incident highlights community risk and a lack of awareness about safe disposal/recycling of batteries and electronics.
Potential Partners:
- Lake Forest Fire Department
- SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
- Local schools (for education/awareness outreach)
- Municipalities of Lake Forest, Waukegan, Gurnee
Recommended Service/Fundraising Project:
A Rotary-led public education campaign and e-waste collection event. This could include: organizing a battery/electronics drop-off event, distributing educational materials (printed and online), and sponsoring fire department presentations for residents, with a special focus on youth and families at schools and community centers.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lake Forest Fire Department and SWALCO to coordinate messaging and logistics for a collection event.
- Engage local schools and municipal newsletters for outreach.
- Secure a grant or sponsorship for funding materials and event costs (potentially through Rotary District funds or local business partners like Waukegan Tire).
- Schedule and publicize the collection day; recruit volunteers for staff roles.
- Measure success via number of participants, batteries/devices collected, and community survey on fire safety awareness after the campaign.
2. Youth Alcohol Awareness & Prevention Initiative (Youth, Community Health/Education)
Context:
A recent Lake County Sheriff's blotter report details the arrest of a 24-year-old who allowed minors to consume alcohol at his Beach Park home. Underage drinking remains a concern for community health, safety, and legal liability.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Department
- Local middle and high schools (e.g., Lake Bluff Middle School, School of St. Mary, Waukegan High School)
- Youth organizations (Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local parent-teacher associations (PTAs)
Recommended Service/Fundraising Project:
A Rotary-sponsored youth alcohol awareness program featuring educational workshops, school assemblies, and a “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” campaign. Rotary could help bring in speakers (law enforcement, recovered youth, prevention specialists), distribute informational materials, and create student-led PSA contests encouraging peers to make safe choices.
Next Steps:
- Connect with the Sheriff's Department and PTAs to identify priority schools and timelines.
- Fundraise and seek sponsorships for materials, events, and incentives (e.g., scholarships for PSA contest winners).
- Convene an organizing team to develop workshop curriculum and schedule assemblies.
- Promote the program in partnership with local news outlets and social media.
- Assess impact via participant surveys and monitoring trends with school and law enforcement partners.
1. Youth Safety and Substance Abuse Prevention Initiative
Context:
A recent incident in Beach Park involved a 24-year-old man arrested for allowing minors to drink alcohol at his home. This highlights ongoing community concerns about underage drinking and youth safety. With multiple other incidents involving youth risk (such as road rage and violence), there's a clear need for educational and preventative programming.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Lake County Health Department
- Local high schools and PTA organizations (Gurnee and Waukegan)
- The GLMV Chamber of Commerce for outreach support
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with representatives from the sheriff's office, schools, and health department to assess current prevention programs and identify gaps.
- Develop and fund interactive workshops for parents and teens about substance abuse, risks of hosting underage drinking events, and safe decision-making.
- Organize a youth leadership summit, hosting discussions on peer pressure, conflict resolution, and healthy choices.
- Explore grant support or Rotary fundraising (such as a charity walk/run) to cover workshop materials and speaker fees.
2. Support for Unpaid First Responders and Community Resilience
Context:
Firefighters at Naval Station Great Lakes are reportedly working without pay due to the federal government shutdown. This stresses emergency responders and their families, while also impacting the broader safety net for the region. Community support is crucial to recognize their sacrifices and bolster resilience during crises.
Potential Partners:
- Naval Station Great Lakes administration
- Local fire and EMS departments (Waukegan, Gurnee)
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Local service organizations and churches
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the firehouse leadership for a needs assessment (food, supplies, short-term financial support, or morale-boosting events).
- Plan a community appreciation event, such as a family-friendly dinner, open house, or care package drive, to show gratitude and provide immediate relief.
- Launch a targeted fundraising campaign, possibly in partnership with local businesses (such as via a holiday bake sale or toy drive), to provide gift cards or essential goods for affected firefighter families.
- Advocate publicly for first responder support, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to “community health” and rallying additional partners for ongoing resilience programming.