Certainly! Here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus, based on recent news and ongoing community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL:
1. Youth Empowerment and Ethics Program: “Leadership Through Integrity”
Context:
The high-profile disbarment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (covered on Nov. 22, 2025) for corruption underscores the need for ethical leadership and decision-making training, especially among the next generation. This environment offers a teachable moment within Lake County schools and youth organizations to reinforce the importance of integrity, civic responsibility, and ethical behavior.
Potential Partners:
- Local school districts in Gurnee and Waukegan
- College of Lake County
- Youth organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local law enforcement community liaisons
- Lake County Bar Association (for guest speakers)
Next Steps:
- Convene an exploratory meeting with educators, youth group leaders, and the Bar Association to gauge interest and develop program content.
- Design workshops or a speaker series for middle and high school students, focusing on integrity, leadership, and real-life consequences of ethical choices.
- Seek funding or sponsorship from local businesses and Rotary members to cover materials, venue rentals, and speaker honorariums.
- Publicize through school newsletters, social media, and local newspapers to encourage participation.
2. Mental Health and Family Support Resource Fair
Context:
Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan, continues to face challenges related to community health, particularly in mental health support for families. There is a recognized gap in access to resources, and recent years have seen heightened stress among families due to economic uncertainty and high-profile political scandals that can erode trust in institutions.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school counselors and social workers
- Family Service of Lake County
- Advocate Condell Medical Center
- Faith-based organizations with outreach programs
Next Steps:
- Organize a planning committee with representatives from the above partners.
- Develop a half-day resource fair to connect families with counseling resources, crisis support, and wellness activities (e.g., mindfulness workshops, Q&A with therapists).
- Offer space for confidential screenings, referrals, and educational sessions on stress reduction and healthy communication within families.
- Apply for Rotary District Grants to fund event costs (venue, materials, childcare during the event); solicit in-kind donations for refreshments or raffle prizes.
- Promote event through city newsletters, community centers, and partner organizations.
Both initiatives reinforce Rotary values, answer pertinent community needs, and respond to recent news and underlying concerns in Lake County.
1. Community Health Initiative: Fresh Food Distribution and Nutrition Education
Context:
Lake County groups have been distributing turkeys and food ahead of Thanksgiving, citing that "the community has been through a lot." Persistent food insecurity is an ongoing issue in Waukegan, Gurnee, and other Lake County communities. Beyond holiday meals, many families struggle year-round to access healthy, fresh food, which directly relates to health outcomes, especially among children and seniors.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Waukegan to College (community outreach)
- Local businesses and supermarkets (Jewel-Osco, Walmart, Meijer)
- Church and faith-based organizations in Waukegan, Gurnee, and North Chicago
- Gurnee Park District and Lake County Health Department
Next Steps:
- Connect with Northern Illinois Food Bank and local food pantries to identify gaps in regular fresh food supply.
- Organize a monthly or bi-monthly "Community Health Market" offering fresh produce, basics, and healthy meal demonstrations.
- Recruit volunteer nutritionists (contact Lake County Health Department) for simple, culturally relevant nutrition education during distribution.
- Seek grant funding and support (Rotary District grants, local corporate sponsors).
- Launch a publicity campaign in collaboration with schools, local media, and social services to maximize community participation.
2. Youth Engagement and Wellness: Waukegan & Gurnee Sports and Mentoring Support
Context:
Recent news highlighted local high school sports achievements and organizational changes, such as Warren Township’s potential withdrawal from its hockey club and increased attention on high school basketball (e.g., Jaxson Davis at Warren; Waukegan’s basketball programs). Amid these changes, youth need positive outlets and reliable, accessible extracurricular programs. Additionally, the stress from ongoing community challenges heightens the need for mental wellness and mentorship opportunities for teens.
Potential Partners:
- Warren Township High School / Blue Line Hockey Club and Booster Groups
- Waukegan High School athletic department
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local businesses (sports stores, fitness centers)
- Colleges (e.g., College of Lake County student-athlete mentors)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Warren and Waukegan school officials to identify gaps in funding or support for at-risk or under-resourced sports programs—especially where clubs/sports may lose school backing.
- Organize a fundraiser (sports trivia night, youth basketball tournament, or skills camp) to support extracurricular youth sports and wellness programming.
- Incorporate mental wellness workshops with sessions led by local experts (seek Lake County Health Department, community psychologists).
- Set up a Rotary mentoring program matching student athletes (especially those in transition, e.g., after sport discontinuation) with community professionals, older students, or Rotary members.
- Publicize and recruit volunteers/participants through school channels, local athletic associations, and the Boys & Girls Club.
These targeted Rotary initiatives address both immediate community health/food security and crucial youth development needs in Lake County.
1. Youth Literacy & Education Advancement Initiative: “Spelling Success for All”
Context:
The recent achievement of Lake County seventh-grader Visharad Sathish – headed to the National Spelling Bee after winning the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee involving 73 schools – showcases a strong interest and aptitude for literacy and academic excellence among local youth. This event highlights a broader need to encourage and support such educational opportunities for all students in the region, especially in underserved communities in Gurnee, Waukegan, and broader Lake County.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner and Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry) - Local schools: John Lewis Middle School (Waukegan), Lake Forest Country Day School, Matthews Middle School (Island Lake) - Local libraries (Waukegan Public Library, Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee) - Parent-Teacher Associations
Next Steps:
- Meet with Michael Karner and other education leaders to identify literacy needs and gaps—such as after-school tutoring, reading clubs, or spelling bee preparation workshops, focusing on both high-achieving and struggling students.
- Organize a Rotary “Spelling Success for All” campaign: host fundraising events (e.g., community spelling bees open to families or business teams) to buy dictionaries, reading materials, and cover transportation or registration fees for academic events.
- Mobilize Rotarians as spelling bee coaches, reading mentors, and event volunteers.
- Publicly celebrate and support students like Visharad as role models to inspire participation.
- Evaluate interest in annual scholarship or summer literacy camp programs, leveraging Spell Bee visibility.
Rotary Area of Focus: Basic education and literacy, youth development
2. Environmental Stewardship Project: “Lake County Green Schools Challenge”
Context:
While the above article focuses on the spelling bee, Lake County schools’ engagement (73 participating schools) indicates strong student and parental involvement in extracurricular academic events. This network can powerfully mobilize around other critical needs—such as environmental stewardship—by integrating service projects that create lasting impact in both schools and the broader community.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Regional Office of Education (for school coordination) - School Eco-Clubs/Green Teams in Waukegan and Gurnee - Local environmental organizations (Conserve Lake County, SWALCO) - Municipal Departments of Public Works - Community Centers
Next Steps:
- Work with school administrators and eco-clubs to launch a “Green Schools Challenge”: encourage student teams to plan and implement projects such as campus litter cleanups, pollinator gardens, or recycling drives.
- Coordinate Rotary-funded microgrants for project supplies (e.g., native plants, recycling bins).
- Organize a culminating recognition event aligned with Earth Day (April) to showcase student achievements.
- Seek support and educational resources from local environmental groups and municipal partners.
- Offer Rotary volunteers as workshop leaders or project mentors.
- Use the recent success of local academic initiatives to encourage friendly inter-school competition and community pride.
Rotary Area of Focus: Environmental protection, youth leadership and engagement
Context:
Recent reports indicate that Chicago-area food pantries, including those serving Gurnee, Waukegan, and nearby communities, have seen a significant increase in demand over the past year. Additionally, Sue’s Pantry has found a new home, which provides a strategic moment to foster deeper support for food-insecure families heading into winter, especially as colder temperatures and the holiday season are expected to intensify need.
Potential Partners:
- Sue’s Pantry (Grayslake)
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel, Walmart, Whole Foods, Mariano’s)
- BHHS Chicago’s Libertyville Office (which is currently hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive)
- Local faith communities
- Gurnee and Waukegan city governments
Next Steps:
1. Meet with Sue’s Pantry leadership to identify current gaps (e.g., foods needed, volunteer shifts, funding for space/equipment in their new location).
2. Launch a Rotary-funded holiday food drive at area supermarkets and community centers, aligning with holiday events like Grayslake’s Festival of Lights.
3. Coordinate volunteer teams to staff food collection, organize, and distribute during winter months.
4. Leverage Rotary’s network to provide mini-grants for pantry infrastructure (refrigeration, shelving) or transportation.
5. Promote drive and pantry services via Rotary, Patch, social media, and business partners—targeting areas with the greatest increase in food insecurity.
Context:
With news of a polar vortex and much colder temperatures forecast after Thanksgiving, lower-income families and children in Lake County—including communities like Waukegan and Gurnee—face increased risk for cold-related health issues. Simultaneously, marginalized residents may lack adequate winter gear and may be disconnected from flu/COVID vaccination or health screening resources.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department
- Local school districts (Waukegan Public Schools, Woodland School District 50, Gurnee)
- Area churches and community centers
- Grayslake Greenery Garden Club (with their active local events and youth engagement)
- Existing health clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Rotary Interact/Rotaract Clubs (for youth involvement)
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to school officials and health department to assess priority needs for coats, hats, gloves, boots, and public health information among high-need student populations.
2. Organize a winter gear collection and distribution event in conjunction with a health fair. Tie into upcoming community gatherings or create a Rotary-hosted “Winter Wellness Day.”
3. Solicit donations of new/gently used winter clothes via schools, local businesses, and churches. Seek partnerships with local retailers where possible.
4. Coordinate with health providers to offer flu shots, basic screenings, and resources on food/housing assistance at the same event.
5. Mobilize Rotary and Interact Club members to sort items, coordinate logistics, and provide multilingual communication materials as needed.
6. Publicize widely, especially via school newsletters, social media, Patch News, and through City of Waukegan and Gurnee channels.
Both initiatives directly serve community needs and closely align with Rotary’s focus areas of disease prevention, maternal and child health, supporting education, and community economic development.
1. Thanksgiving Dinner Drive Collaboration to Address Food Insecurity
Context:
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Chicago's Libertyville office is currently holding a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, providing essential food and meal resources to families in need. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Lake County, with a rising number of households relying on food banks and meal assistance—especially during the holiday season.
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Health and Basic Needs
Potential Partners:
- BHHS Chicago’s Libertyville office
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local school PTAs (e.g., Libertyville, Grayslake, Waukegan districts)
- Other civic groups (Kiwanis, local churches)
Next Steps:
a. Reach out to the BHHS Libertyville office to offer Rotary support through volunteer shifts, food collection drives, and/or delivery assistance for Thanksgiving and other holidays.
b. Launch a social media and direct-outreach campaign to increase awareness and collection goals, leveraging Rotary’s network.
c. Plan for Rotary involvement in recurring food drives or for expansion beyond the Thanksgiving event—such as holiday or spring break meal boxes for families in need, working jointly with schools and food banks.
d. Evaluate impact in December and consider adopting a permanent or quarterly food security project, including fundraising events to support local pantries.
2. Open Doors to Education: Scholarships and Support for Local Students
Context:
Events like the Kim Muno Scholarship Goal at Libertyville High School highlight the ongoing need for scholarship and educational support for area youth. Economic hardship among many Lake County families has made college and technical training less accessible, directly impacting students’ ability to pursue further education.
Rotary Area of Focus: Education and Youth Development
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville High School (and the Open Doors to Education program)
- College of Lake County (offering local scholarships and skill programs)
- Lake County Community Foundation
- Local businesses and philanthropic individuals
Next Steps:
a. Contact Libertyville High School and the Kim Muno Scholarship organizers to explore partnership (volunteer support for scholarship committee, fundraising help, Rotary-named scholarships).
b. Organize a Rotary-led fundraising event (e.g., benefit dinner, virtual auction, community walk) with proceeds earmarked for scholarships to support underserved youth in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake areas.
c. Develop mentoring workshops in partnership with the College of Lake County, offering practical guidance on financial aid, applications, and career readiness.
d. Establish a selection committee including Rotary members and school representatives to ensure fair distribution of funds, and develop an annual review to track student outcomes.
Certainly! Based on the recent news and events in Lake County—including Gurnee and Waukegan—and considering Rotary’s focus areas, here are two timely service or fundraising opportunities for local Rotary clubs, each with detailed context, suggested partners, and next steps:
1. Project Warmth: Community Health Initiative for Vulnerable Residents Amid Polar Vortex Concerns
Context:
The recent warning about a significant polar vortex and colder temperatures coming to the area after Thanksgiving raises urgent community health concerns, especially for low-income families and seniors in Waukegan, Gurnee, and the greater Lake County region. Many residents may struggle to afford adequate heating, warm clothing, or shelter, increasing the risk of hypothermia and other health complications.
Potential Partners: - PADS Lake County (homeless services) - Catholic Charities Lake County - Local faith communities (e.g., Gurnee Community Church, Holy Family Parish) - Lake County Housing Authority - Local Walmart, Jewel, and Whole Foods (recently in the news regarding holiday grocery hours—potential for in-kind donations) - Area schools for identifying students in need
Next Steps: 1. Needs Assessment: Connect with PADS and Catholic Charities to estimate the number of individuals/families at risk and determine specific needs (e.g., coats, blankets, space heaters, utility bill support). 2. Supply Drive/Fundraiser: Launch a community-wide collection of new/gently used warm clothing, blankets, and funds for utility assistance, leveraging Rotary's networks and visibility. 3. Distribution Plan: Organize distribution events at local shelters, faith centers, and community events—coordinate with social workers and school liaisons to reach families discreetly. 4. Media/Publicity: Use local news outlets (Patch, Daily Herald), church bulletins, and social media to promote the drive and encourage donations. 5. Long-Term Impact: Explore advocacy with local government to strengthen utility relief programs and heater weatherization for next winter.
2. Student Success Kits: Educational Equity Initiative for Eighth Grade Transition and Testing Support
Context:
A recent local highlight involved North Shore Catholic schools (Woodlands Academy, Regina Dominican, Loyola Academy) offering new flexibility in admissions and testing for eighth-grade girls. As admissions and standardized testing become focal points for area youth, especially in Lake Forest, Gurnee, and Waukegan, students from less resourced backgrounds may need additional support to succeed.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Public Schools (District 56, District 60, District 115) - Private schools: Woodlands Academy, Regina Dominican, Loyola Academy - Local youth centers (e.g., Warren Township Youth Services) - The Episcopal Preschool (for early childhood connection) - Local libraries (after-school programs) - Educational nonprofits such as Waukegan to College
Next Steps: 1. Needs Identification: Collaborate with guidance counselors and outreach coordinators at public and private middle schools to identify students who would benefit from academic/resource kits. 2. Kit Assembly: Organize Rotary volunteer events to prepare "Student Success Kits" containing test prep guides, school supplies, headphones, and basic nutritional snacks. Consider including materials for both public and private school admissions/testing processes. 3. Workshops: Partner with local high schools and educational nonprofits to host workshops for students and families about admissions, testing tips, and coping with academic transitions. 4. Sponsorship/Fundraising: Engage local businesses (Waukegan Tire, Episcopal Preschool) as sponsors or donation drop-off locations. 5. Follow-Up: Survey participants for feedback and track academic transitions to measure impact and improve the program annually.
By focusing on immediate winter health needs and supporting local youth in pivotal educational transitions, these Rotary-led efforts would address both urgent community health and longer-term educational equity—two foundational Rotary areas of focus—while building partnerships across Lake County.
1. Supporting Community Health: Addressing Increased Deaths at Great Lakes Naval Base Housing
Context:
The Lake County Coroner’s Office has reported an above-normal number of deaths (10) at or associated with Great Lakes Naval Base housing in 2025. This concerning trend suggests potential gaps in community health resources or support for military families and residents.
Potential Partners:
- Great Lakes Naval Base leadership and Family Support Services
- Lake County Health Department
- Local veterans and mental health organizations (e.g., NAMI Lake County, Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the base’s Family Support Center and Lake County Health Department to assess needs and determine causes (e.g., mental health challenges, substance abuse, food insecurity).
- Propose a Rotary-sponsored health and wellness fair or resource clinic for base residents, focusing on mental health screening, substance abuse prevention, and family support services.
- Initiate a fundraiser or supply drive to support existing support programs for military families, such as emergency financial aid or children’s activity scholarships.
- Organize Rotary volunteers to provide ongoing mentorship or support group facilitation in coordination with the base and local non-profits.
2. Food Security and Community Building: Thanksgiving Dinner Drive and Beyond
Context:
BHHS Chicago's Libertyville office is holding a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive through November 25th, highlighting ongoing food insecurity and the need for community support around the holidays for families in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County.
Potential Partners:
- BHHS Chicago Libertyville Office
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries Waukegan)
- GLMV Chamber of Commerce
- School districts in Gurnee and Waukegan
Next Steps:
- Connect with BHHS and local food banks to expand the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive into a longer-term Rotary initiative, such as a monthly community meal or year-round food pantry support.
- Organize a Rotary fundraising gala or “Fill the Pantry” campaign, leveraging local business and chamber partnerships.
- Recruit Rotary and community volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food, and to provide additional services, such as nutrition education workshops for children and families.
- Explore establishing a “backpack” program with local schools to send weekend meals home with students in need, further aligning with Rotary’s focus on health, education, and youth.