1. “Shop Local” Small Business Support Campaign
Rotary Area of Focus: Community Economic Development
Context:
The Daily Herald editorial highlights the critical need to support local brick-and-mortar stores and independent retailers in Lake County (including Gurnee and Waukegan), especially around Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Many local businesses are still recovering from pandemic-driven challenges and rising competition from online marketplaces.
Potential Partners:
- Gurnee and Waukegan Chambers of Commerce
- Local business associations and Main Street programs
- Village officials in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding Lake County towns
- Local high schools and colleges (for marketing support or student volunteers)
- Media sponsors such as the Daily Herald for promotion
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning meeting with area chambers to identify the most impacted businesses and coordinate timing with upcoming holidays or “shop local” events.
b. Develop a “Rotary Shop Local Passport” program—shoppers collect stamps or QR codes from participating businesses for a possible prize, raffle, or charitable donation.
c. Plan a joint community market day or block party in Gurnee or downtown Waukegan, featuring performances, product demos, and Rotary service booths.
d. Secure media coverage and recruit student volunteers for marketing.
e. Evaluate impact with business surveys and feedback.
2. Youth Empowerment through Media Literacy and Podcasting
Rotary Area of Focus: Education & Literacy, Youth Development
Context:
Elgin U-46’s radio station (WEPS) is revitalizing its programming with student-created content and storytime for young children, indicating strong community interest in youth media engagement. Waukegan and Gurnee are demographically similar and would benefit from free, creative, after-school programs that build communication and career skills.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan and Gurnee school districts (especially student activity clubs)
- Lake County Public Library branches
- Local colleges (College of Lake County) or media professionals willing to mentor
- WEPS or similar community radio for shared training resources
- Rotary Interact and Rotaract clubs
Next Steps:
a. Approach local schools and libraries to propose after-school “Youth Podcasting Labs” or media literacy workshops facilitated by Rotarians and local journalists.
b. Solicit equipment donations or grants for microphones, headphones, and editing software.
c. Collaborate with U-46’s WEPS team for a best-practices exchange or joint virtual sessions.
d. Launch a student podcast contest centered on community issues or positive local stories, to be aired by local radio or online platforms.
e. Celebrate participants with a live showcase event and bring graduates to Rotary meetings as youth speakers.
Based on the recent news from Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, Illinois, two significant Rotary service or fundraising opportunities arise that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Community Health and Support for Immigrant Families Affected by Enforcement Raids
Context:
The ongoing federal immigration enforcement raids in the Chicago area, now in their third month, are causing widespread uncertainty, stress, and disruption for many immigrant families in Lake County, including Waukegan and Gurnee. There is a growing need for community health support, access to reliable information, legal aid, basic necessities, and emotional support for families—especially children—directly impacted by these actions.
Potential Partners:
- HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) in Waukegan
- Mano a Mano Family Resource Center
- Local food pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank partner sites)
- Legal Aid Chicago
Next Steps:
1. Reach out to HACES and Mano a Mano to assess current needs and identify resource gaps, such as food supports, counseling, or legal workshops.
2. Organize a “Day of Care and Advocacy” at a local community center, offering free meals, children’s activities, health screenings, and informational sessions with legal professionals.
3. Launch a fundraising drive within the Rotary and local businesses to cover costs for these events and ongoing emergency relief.
4. Recruit bilingual volunteers to assist with program delivery and outreach.
5. Coordinate with local school districts to identify and discreetly support families heavily impacted.
2. Youth Enrichment Through Sports and Scholarship Support
Context:
Recent high school and local college sports coverage highlights a thriving youth sports culture in Lake County. Recognizing top athletes like Wauconda’s Mario Torres and Grayslake Central’s Ivan Sereno, along with strong local interest in football and soccer, points to community pride and a desire for greater opportunities for local youth. However, many talented students face financial or logistical barriers to continued participation and accessing higher educational opportunities.
Potential Partners:
- Local high schools (Waukegan, Grayslake Central, Wauconda, Antioch)
- College of Lake County athletic department
- Youth outreach organizations (e.g., Boys & Girls Club of Lake County)
- Local sports clubs and park districts
Next Steps:
1. Partner with schools and youth clubs to identify students in need of sports equipment, scholarships, or tournament fee coverage.
2. Develop a “Rotary Champions Fund,” supported by an annual fundraising event (e.g., Rotary Cup Soccer Challenge or Rotary Community 5K) to provide grants for youth athletes and scholarships for outstanding student-athletes.
3. Host mentorship sessions and leadership workshops with past and present top local athletes, promoting positive values and life skills.
4. Work with schools to promote and publicize these enrichment and scholarship opportunities, ensuring access for all students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
5. Set clear criteria for scholarship selection based on both athletic achievement and community service.
These initiatives will help meet urgent needs in the community while advancing Rotary’s mission and visibility in Lake County.
1. "Words for the Win": Youth Literacy and Academic Enrichment Support
Context:
The recent achievement of Lake Forest Country Day School seventh grader Visharad Sathish, who won the Lake County Regional Spelling Bee and advanced to the National Spelling Bee, spotlights the region’s strong academic talent and student dedication. With 73 schools and hundreds of students participating, there is demonstrated enthusiasm for language, literacy, and academic competition. Rotary’s support could help broaden opportunities, particularly for schools or neighborhoods with fewer resources, ensuring more students enjoy access to enrichment activities like spelling bees, reading programs, and language clubs.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner, Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry)
- Local libraries (e.g., Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Waukegan Public Library)
- John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan
- Lake Forest Country Day School and Matthews Middle School
- Local PTAs and education foundations
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Michael Karner and Courtney Curry to discuss supplemental academic support or micro-grants for after-school clubs, books, or transportation for participants from underrepresented schools.
- Organize a Rotary Family Literacy Night or Youth Academic Showcase, where students can participate in spelling, reading, and vocabulary games, with proceeds supporting literacy initiatives in Lake County.
- Recruit volunteers to provide reading mentorship or coaching for students preparing for future bees or literacy competitions.
- Seek sponsorships and donations of books or educational materials from local businesses.
- Publicize student achievers like Visharad and Ian Leong, building community excitement and long-term engagement.
2. "Bee-lieve in Youth": Fundraiser Supporting Youth Travel and STEAM Education
Context:
Traveling to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. represents a significant achievement—and financial cost—for families. While top contestants like Visharad Sathish receive some support, participation in national or regional academic events can be financially out of reach for many other talented students. Expanding support to help families with travel, registration fees, and enrichment opportunities aligns with Rotary’s commitment to education and youth development, and can be paired with a broader focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education.
Potential Partners:
- Schools participating in the Lake County Spelling Bee
- Local businesses (sponsors, in-kind donors)
- Waukegan and Gurnee Chambers of Commerce
- Local education nonprofits (e.g., Mothers Trust Foundation, YouthBuild Lake County)
Next Steps:
- Launch an annual Rotary "Bee-lieve in Youth" spelling bee or STEAM trivia fundraiser, inviting the community for a fun, all-ages competition.
- Market the event both as a fundraiser for youth academic travel grants and as a celebration of student scholarship.
- Use proceeds to establish a Rotary Youth Academic Achievement Fund to help cover costs for students advancing to regional, state, or national academic competitions—including, but not limited to, spelling bees.
- Coordinate with schools and the Regional Office of Education to identify needs and award grants.
- Offer recognition and small scholarships to all school finalists to encourage participation and academic ambition across the county.
These projects align with Rotary’s focus areas of education, youth development, and community engagement—leveraging current community momentum and passion for academic excellence in Lake County.
1. Winter Coat and Holiday Food Drive Expansion: Addressing Local Hunger and Warmth Needs
Context:
Recent Grayslake-area reports highlight a noticeable spike in visits to local food pantries, with Sue’s Pantry recently relocating to a new home due to increased demand. Additionally, a coat drive at the Grayslake Community Park District is underway, suggesting broad community need for winter clothing. These developments reflect regional hardship during winter months.
Potential Partners:
- Sue’s Pantry (contact through recent news coverage)
- Grayslake Community Park District
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago (recently active in local giving)
- BHHS Chicago (organizing a Thanksgiving Dinner Drive)
- Local schools for student volunteers
- Local businesses as collection/drop-off sites
Next Steps:
- Convene a planning meeting with Rotary service committee and leaders from Sue’s Pantry and the park district.
- Launch a joint coat and non-perishable food drive, leveraging upcoming holiday markets and school networks to maximize participation.
- Identify strategic collection locations (parks, markets, local stores) and schedule high-visibility drop-off events (e.g., at Festival of Lights, Winterhaus, Makers Market).
- Organize volunteer sorting/packing days, with an invitation to youth groups for Rotary’s youth service component.
- Publicize the drive via Rotary channels, Patch, and partnering organizations.
- Arrange for dignified distribution, potentially with hot meal options at local events/parks, leveraging St. Vincent de Paul’s “Give Hope a Home” mission.
Rotary Area of Focus Alignment:
Community health and basic needs; supporting families; youth engagement.
2. Kim Muno Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser: Supporting Local Education
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship Goal event, mentioned on the Grayslake Patch calendar, reflects the community’s commitment to honoring a late local educator or leader and supporting student scholarships. With many families facing economic hardship and the value of postsecondary education increasing, expanding this effort aligns with Rotary’s commitment to education and youth.
Potential Partners:
- Organizers of the Kim Muno Scholarship (likely school district and family/foundation representatives)
- Grayslake school administrators and guidance counselors
- Local businesses (potential event sponsors or donors)
- Grayslake Chamber of Commerce (for business engagement)
- Winterhaus and other local market/festival organizers
Next Steps:
- Connect with the current Kim Muno Scholarship organizers to discuss partnership and the feasibility of a Rotary-co-sponsored fundraising event, such as a winter gala, trivia night, or service day.
- Promote scholarship drive at high-traffic events (Winterhaus, Holiday Market) with a visible Rotary presence (info table, raffle baskets, donation station).
- Solicit in-kind donations from local businesses for auctions or raffles.
- Invite students who have benefited from the scholarship to share their stories at Rotary and public events, illustrating direct impact.
- Set tangible fundraising targets amplified by Rotary’s network and matching commitments (echoing St. Vincent de Paul’s Giving Tuesday matching effort).
Rotary Area of Focus Alignment:
Supporting education and youth development; economic and community development through empowerment and access.
1. Expand Access to College Scholarships for Local Youth (Education & Youth Focus)
Context:
The Kim Muno Scholarship initiative in Libertyville represents a dedicated community effort to support students seeking higher education. Scholarships are crucial in Lake County, where economic disparity can limit college access for youth in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding towns. With "Open Doors to Education at Libertyville High School" and the momentum around the Kim Muno Scholarship Goal event, there's local enthusiasm for educational advancement.
Potential Partners:
- Libertyville High School and its PTO/PTSA
- Kim Muno Scholarship organizers (Kim Muno's parents and committee)
- College of Lake County Foundation
- Local businesses (for matching funds or event sponsorship)
- Rotary Interact Clubs at area high schools
Next Steps:
- Convene a joint meeting with the scholarship committee and school leaders to discuss gaps in current scholarship offerings and pool resources.
- Organize a fundraising dinner or benefit concert in partnership with local venues (e.g., the College of Lake County) aimed at growing the Kim Muno Scholarship fund, with matching gifts from area businesses.
- Recruit Rotarians and Interact Club members as mentors to scholarship applicants, offering college essay support and financial aid workshops.
- Publicize the scholarship opportunity at community events (markets, holiday events) and on social media in collaboration with Patch and local schools.
2. Holiday Makers Market Sustainability Drive & Food Collection (Environment & Community Health Focus)
Context:
The Winterhaus: Holiday Makers Market at Phase Three Brewing in Lake Zurich (and similar events like Tighthead's Holiday Bazaar in Mundelein), brings together large crowds to celebrate and support local artisans and businesses. These gatherings are an opportunity not only to foster community spirit, but to promote sustainable practices and address ongoing food insecurity in Lake County, especially in Waukegan and Gurnee communities where food pantries report rising demand.
Potential Partners:
- Phase Three Brewing, Tighthead Brewing, and other participating market vendors
- Lake County Food Pantries (e.g., Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Food Pantry in Waukegan)
- Local environmental organizations (SWALCO, Lake County Forest Preserves)
- Gurnee and Waukegan Rotary Clubs volunteers
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with event organizers to set up a Rotary-sponsored collection booth at the Winterhaus Market and Holiday Bazaars for non-perishable food and winter coats.
- Work with local environmental agencies to supply event attendees with information on eco-friendly gift wrapping, reusable bags, and waste reduction (host a "Green Holidays" tips session during market hours).
- Encourage market vendors to highlight locally produced, sustainably sourced goods and donate items for a charity raffle, with proceeds supporting local food banks.
- Arrange Rotary volunteers to transport collected food and clothing, and promote the drive in advance through Patch, community email lists, and social media.
These projects address pressing community needs in education, youth empowerment, food security, and environmental stewardship—each central to Rotary’s mission and well-aligned with ongoing local events and partners.
Certainly! Here are two Rotary project recommendations based on recent news and events in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL area, with a focus on Rotary’s areas of community health, environment, and youth:
Project 1: Expand Access to Mental Health Services for Youth and Families
Context:
The Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board is currently accepting grant applications to support nonprofit partners providing essential mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. With rising mental health concerns among youth, exacerbated by social isolation and academic pressures, the need for accessible support in Lake County remains urgent.
Potential Partners:
- Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan, Gurnee, Lake Forest)
- Nonprofits such as Lake County Health Department, NAMI Lake County, and Youth & Family Counseling
Next Steps:
1. Reach Out to the Vernon Township Community Mental Health Board to explore collaboration and potential funding channels.
2. Organize a Mental Health Resource Fair in partnership with local schools and youth organizations, providing free screenings, resources, and workshops for parents and teens.
3. Apply for Grants via the Mental Health Board, using Rotary funds as a matching source to demonstrate commitment and attract wider support.
4. Facilitate Rotary Volunteer Training on mental health first aid, empowering members to support youth during community events and at partner organizations.
Project 2: Environmental Stewardship – Community Nature Access and Outdoor Engagement Initiative
Context:
A recent story spotlighted a Lincolnshire resident’s gratitude for nature and outdoor experiences—echoing a growing recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship and community green spaces. With Lake County featuring diverse parks and forest preserves, there’s an opportunity to improve equitable access, promote conservation, and engage local youth in the outdoors.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local youth groups (Scouts, schools, afterschool programs)
- Other environmental nonprofits (e.g., Openlands)
- T-Mobile (mentioned as a business expressing “thankfulness for nature” in partnership with Patch)
Next Steps:
1. Coordinate a “Day of Service” focused on improving trails and accessibility in local parks, such as Waukegan’s Bowen Park or Gurnee’s Viking Park.
2. Create and Distribute Free “Nature Passports” to local schools and youth organizations—encouraging families to visit, learn about, and help conserve area parks, with incentives for participation.
3. Host Educational Workshops on local ecosystems, invasive species removal, and how outdoor activity benefits mental health (building on the mental wellness theme).
4. Seek Sponsorship or Matching Funds for these projects from local businesses, such as T-Mobile, and seek cross-promotion with media partners like Patch.
Both projects offer tangible community impact opportunities, highlighted by current needs and local news, and align strongly with Rotary’s mission areas.
1. Mental Health and Wellness Support for Military Families at Great Lakes Naval Base
Area of Focus: Community Health, Supporting Families, Disease Prevention & Treatment
Context:
Recent news highlights a concerning increase in deaths (10 in 2025) associated with housing at the Great Lakes Naval Base, per the Lake County Coroner's Office. This points to potential mental health, housing safety, and wellness challenges faced by service members and their families in our local area. Given the sensitive nature of the issue and Rotary’s commitment to supporting healthy communities and “supporting education” (including life skills and mental health resilience), a focused Rotary project to address wellness at Great Lakes would provide immediate, meaningful impact.
Potential Partners: - Great Lakes Naval Base Family Readiness Office - Lake County Health Department - Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (student volunteers or faculty) - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County - Local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts
Next Steps:
- Initiate a conversation with the Great Lakes Naval Base Family Readiness Officer to learn more about current support gaps and ensure collaboration with military protocol.
- Assess specific needs: mental health support workshops, community wellness events, resource fairs, or confidential peer support.
- Recruit health and wellness experts willing to offer pro bono education sessions on stress management, suicide prevention, or grief support.
- Plan a joint “Wellness Day” event at or near the base, with screenings, resource tables, and referrals.
- Raise funds through a community walk/run or online giving campaign, earmarked for on-base family wellness programming and supplemental crisis support.
2. Temporary Emergency Housing & Homelessness Prevention Fundraiser in Partnership with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Area of Focus: Community Economic Development, Basic Needs, Housing, Supporting Vulnerable Populations
Context:
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago has launched a Giving Tuesday appeal for emergency housing assistance under the motto, “Give Hope a Home. Because Everyone Deserves One.” Lake County communities, including Waukegan and Gurnee, continue to see families and individuals at risk of homelessness, particularly as inflation and housing insecurity rise. Rotary’s support can make a direct impact and raise awareness locally.
Potential Partners: - Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chicago (local St. Paul the Apostle Conference serving Lake County) - PADS Lake County - Lake County Coalition for the Homeless - Local congregations such as St. Paul the Apostle and Joy! Lutheran Church - Corporate sponsors (ask local employers ranked “Best Places to Work” for matching gifts)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Society of St. Vincent de Paul representatives to discuss how Rotary funds and volunteers could support temporary housing, utility assistance, or direct aid to families in crisis.
- Organize a high-visibility winter fundraising event—such as a “Sleep Out for Shelter,” chili supper, or “Hope a Home” benefit concert—inviting local leaders to participate and share stories.
- Pair the fundraiser with an educational campaign highlighting local housing insecurity, with data and testimonials.
- Offer ongoing Rotary volunteer support to staff warming centers, assemble hygiene kits, or provide mentoring.
- Publicize the event and cause in local media and work with business partners for expanded impact.