Certainly! Based on the news information and common current events and community needs in Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two concrete Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus such as community health, the environment, and education. While the news excerpts above don’t highlight specific crises or named local issues, we can extrapolate from recurring themes and known community challenges in the region.
1. Community Mental Wellness & Anti-Hate Youth Summit (Aligns with Community Health and Supporting Education/Youth)
Context:
Recent opinion columns discuss the rise in anger and polarization locally and nationally, with reference to anti-extremism activist Farah Pandith’s work against hate. Lake County, which includes both Gurnee and Waukegan, has a diverse population and, like many communities, faces challenges around youth stress, mental health, and extremism. Providing youth with healthy outlets, education, and ways to build resilience can have lasting impact.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Public Schools and Gurnee School Districts
- Youth social service organizations (e.g. Youth & Family Counseling, Lake County Health Department)
- Local anti-extremism educators (possible guest speakers)
- Lake County Health Department’s Behavioral Health services
- Local churches, mosques, and synagogues (to promote inclusion)
Next Steps:
a. Convene a planning committee of interested Rotarians and youth leaders.
b. Reach out to local schools and social service agencies to assess needs and gauge interest.
c. Identify a venue (school auditorium, community center) and set a target date.
d. Recruit keynote speakers (e.g., a representative from Farah Pandith’s organization, local youth leaders).
e. Seek funding from Rotary grants, local businesses, and through a dedicated fundraising event—proceeds support youth counseling and anti-hate education initiatives in schools.
f. Promote via social media, school newsletters, and community organizations.
2. Lake County Pollinator & Native Garden Project (Aligns with Supporting the Environment and Education)
Context:
The “Home & garden calendar” features upcoming regional garden workshops, focusing on pollinators, sustainable gardening, and improved soil health. Urban and suburban pollinator habitats are increasingly threatened; community gardens and pollinator-friendly green spaces benefit both ecology and education. Waukegan and Gurnee have several parks and public spaces suitable for enhancement.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Forest Preserves
- Local garden clubs (referenced in the home & garden calendar stories)
- Waukegan Park District, Gurnee Park District
- Schools (integrating pollinator education into STEM curriculum)
- Native plant nurseries (such as Possibility Place Nursery or Red Buffalo Nursery)
- Environmental organizations (e.g. Sierra Club, Audubon Society)
Next Steps:
a. Identify a public space (school grounds, municipal park, library) for a pilot native/pollinator garden.
b. Partner with a local garden club and park district for expertise and sustainability.
c. Apply for a Rotary District Grant and seek seed donations/sponsorship from nurseries.
d. Host a community “Planting Day”—invite local families, Scouts, and students to take part.
e. Develop educational signage and offer follow-up workshops on pollinator gardening.
f. Consider fundraising through plant sales, native seed kits, or donor-naming opportunities for garden features.
Both of these projects address timely local needs and directly support Rotary’s focus on health, environment, education, and youth development.
1. Solar Panel Plant Community Outreach and Environmental Education Initiative (Waukegan & Lake County)
Context:
Waukegan is a finalist to receive a new solar panel manufacturing plant, which could create 500 new jobs and help "reverse our environmental legacy." This development ties directly into Rotary’s focus on both environment and economic/community development.
Potential Partners:
- Solar manufacturer (once selected)
- City of Waukegan Economic Development Department
- College of Lake County (especially with their recent record donation and community connections)
- Local schools and youth organizations
- Waukegan Park District
Next Steps:
- Contact city officials in Waukegan’s Economic Development office and the solar plant’s project liaisons to offer Rotary’s support in community outreach.
- Develop and sponsor a series of environmental education workshops and forums for residents and students, focusing on solar energy, green jobs, and environmental restoration efforts.
- Collaborate with College of Lake County to support scholarships or internships for local students interested in renewable energy careers.
- Organize a community tree planting, solar demo, or sustainability fair in conjunction with the plant’s opening.
- Seek grant funding and corporate sponsorship to enhance the initiative’s reach.
2. Youth Police Academy & Resilience/Leadership Program (Waukegan)
Context:
The Waukegan Police Department recently held a Youth Citizen Police Academy for nine high school students, providing valuable insights into law enforcement and resilience. With national and local interest in youth-police relationships and youth development, there is an opportunity to expand and support such programs.
Potential Partners:
- Waukegan Police Department
- Local high schools (especially their counseling and leadership programs)
- Boys & Girls Club of Lake County
- Local mental health organizations (e.g., Lake County Health Department)
Next Steps:
- Meet with Waukegan Police Department organizers of the Youth Citizen Police Academy to explore needs and opportunities for expansion.
- Offer Rotary fundraising or grant-writing assistance to provide scholarships, supplies, or transportation so more students can participate—especially from underserved backgrounds.
- Partner with the College of Lake County’s counseling or criminal justice programs to add resilience, life skills, and leadership workshops to the academy curriculum.
- Publicize success stories and outcomes to recruit future participants and foster positive community-police relations.
- Evaluate possibility of expanding to neighboring communities (e.g., Gurnee) in partnership with local Rotary chapters and police departments.
1. Rotary Youth Academic Achievement & Literacy Initiative
Context:
The recent success of Visharad Sathish, a 12-year-old Lake County resident headed to the National Spelling Bee after a grueling local competition, highlights a strong culture of youth academic engagement and excellence in the region. With 73 Lake County schools participating and educators like Ashley Whitaker (John Lewis Middle School, Waukegan) and officials from the Lake County Regional Office of Education (Superintendent Michael Karner and Assistant Superintendent Courtney Curry) giving active support, there's clear interest in promoting literacy and academic competition.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Regional Office of Education (Michael Karner, Courtney Curry)
- Local schools (e.g., John Lewis Middle School, Lake Forest Country Day School, Matthews Middle School)
- Public libraries in Gurnee, Waukegan, and surrounding towns
- Parent-teacher organizations
- Local businesses for sponsorship
Next Steps:
- Convene a meeting with Michael Karner and Courtney Curry to discuss how Rotary can support literacy and academic competitions year-round (not just during spelling bee season).
- Develop a Rotary-sponsored literacy program or after-school academic club, potentially expanding to include vocabulary-building games, reading mentorship, and support for spelling bee training.
- Organize a fundraising event—such as a "Read-a-thon" or "Spelling Bee Exhibition"—to raise money for prize scholarships, training materials, and travel stipends for highly engaged students.
- Recruit Rotary members and local professionals to serve as mentors, judges, or coaches, and encourage diverse youth participation.
2. Rotary Green Innovation & Workforce Awareness Day (in Partnership with Waukegan’s Solar Initiative)
Context:
Waukegan is a finalist for a major solar panel plant—a project projected to bring 500 jobs to the area and "reverse our environmental legacy." This represents a critical moment both for the environment and for economic development in Lake County, aligning directly with Rotary's areas of focus on the environment and community economic development.
Potential Partners:
- City of Waukegan’s economic development department
- Local workforce training organizations (e.g., College of Lake County, which recently received a $6M donation for expanding educational access)
- Solar panel manufacturers and renewable energy companies expressing interest in the area
- Local high schools and STEM educators
- Environmental non-profits
Next Steps:
- Reach out to Waukegan civic leaders and renewable energy companies to propose a collaborative "Green Innovation & Workforce Awareness Day" for local students and families.
- Coordinate a one-day event with informational booths, hands-on STEM activities, and talks from solar industry professionals highlighting renewable careers, environmental science, and sustainability.
- Seek sponsorship from incoming or interested solar companies and leverage College of Lake County’s outreach capabilities.
- Design a fundraising initiative such as a "Walkathon for Clean Energy" or "Solar Power Carnival," with proceeds funding workforce training scholarships for youth pursuing renewable energy and tech fields.
- Plan for Rotary volunteers to help facilitate the event and provide environmental education activities, tying in Rotary’s long-term commitment to a cleaner Lake County.
1. Service Project: Lake County Food Security & Pantry Support Initiative
Context:
Chicago-area food pantries, including those in Lake County communities like Waukegan, Gurnee, and Grayslake, are seeing a spike in visits over the past year. Food insecurity is rising, affecting families and youth across the region. Rotary’s focus on community health and supporting the most vulnerable aligns directly with this urgent need.
Potential Partners:
- Northern Illinois Food Bank
- Local pantries, such as COOL Food Pantry (Waukegan) and Avon Township Food Pantry (Grayslake)
- Gurnee, Waukegan, and Grayslake local government offices
- College of Lake County (CLC) service clubs (especially given their recent philanthropic milestone and student involvement opportunities)
Next Steps:
- Reach out to local pantry directors and Northern Illinois Food Bank to assess immediate needs: food donations, volunteers, fundraising, or storage help.
- Organize a Rotary-coordinated food drive and volunteer day, enlisting local students (especially CLC students, leveraging the college’s renewed focus on community engagement).
- Launch a “Fill the Pantries” fundraising campaign with local businesses (e.g., Mindsee.it, Romney Brown Candle Co.) offering to match donations or host collection bins.
- Provide ongoing Rotary volunteer days at pantries and develop a partnership plan for continuous support (stocking shelves, food distribution, educational sessions for families on nutrition and financial literacy).
2. Service Project: Youth Empowerment Through Education Enhancement
Context:
The College of Lake County (CLC) recently received a historic $6 million gift from Schreiber Philanthropy aimed at fueling student success. Additionally, innovative after-school programs for children, like Mindsee.it tutoring, are gaining attention in the area. However, academic disparities persist, and there’s a strong need for tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment for local students—particularly in underserved parts of Waukegan and Gurnee.
Potential Partners:
- College of Lake County (community outreach department and student volunteers)
- Mindsee.it (EdTech tutoring program for youth)
- Local school districts and after-school programs
Next Steps:
- Meet with CLC’s outreach and service organizations to identify how Rotary can complement the impact of the new philanthropic gift, possibly by supplying volunteer tutors or mentors for students in need.
- Collaborate with Mindsee.it to sponsor and host group tutoring events or academic “boot camps” in community centers or libraries, with Rotarians and student volunteers as facilitators.
- Develop a ‘Rotary Scholars’ microgrant program—using fundraising proceeds, provide academic materials, technology, or transportation subsidies for low-income students in Gurnee and Waukegan.
- Launch public awareness and recruitment campaign in partnership with CLC and local media, inviting volunteers and promoting educational equity.
These two projects—addressing food insecurity and boosting youth education—are timely, impactful, and well-aligned with both Rotary’s mission and the current needs highlighted in Lake County’s recent news.
Certainly! Based on recent news and the local events in and around Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL, here are two tailored Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Lake County Technology Access & Literacy Fair
Focus Areas: Education, Economic Development, Community Health
Context:
The upcoming "Lake County Technology Enthusiasts" event (January 10, Alto Grayslake) highlights increasing public interest in digital literacy and technology. With ongoing digital transformation in education, healthcare, and community services, many residents—especially youth and older adults—face barriers to accessing and utilizing technology. This digital divide is especially relevant in Waukegan and surrounding communities where some families lack affordable internet or adequate devices.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Lake County Technology Enthusiasts (the event host group)
- Local school districts (e.g., Waukegan CUSD 60, Gurnee’s District 56)
- The College of Lake County
- Local public libraries
- Nonprofits like PCs for People or other device-donation groups
Next Steps:
- Reach out to the Lake County Technology Enthusiasts to co-host a spring Technology Access & Literacy Fair, aimed at low-income families, seniors, and students.
- Organize volunteer-led workshops on basic computer skills, online safety, job application skills, and use of telehealth.
- Partner with device-donation groups to collect and refurbish used computers or tablets for giveaway.
- Raise funds or seek sponsorships for internet access stipends and device purchases.
- Publicize the event through local schools, libraries, and community centers.
2. Youth Entrepreneurship & Artisan Market Initiative
Focus Areas: Education, Economic Development, Youth Empowerment
Context:
Repeated artisan market events—such as the "DeStash Bash" and "Superbowl & Sweethearts - Valentine Market"—reflect a thriving local maker and small business scene. However, young people and students often lack resources and mentorship to develop their own entrepreneurial skills and participate meaningfully in these markets.
Potential Rotary Partners:
- Local event organizers (e.g., those behind KC's Cabin, HitZ the Spot, and 309 E Il Rte 173 venues)
- High school business clubs (Warren Township, Waukegan High, Grayslake Central)
- College of Lake County’s entrepreneurship programs
- Chambers of Commerce (Gurnee, Waukegan, Grayslake)
- SCORE Mentors Lake County
Next Steps:
- Coordinate with market organizers to create a Youth Vendor Pavilion at existing upcoming artisan markets, waiving booth fees for student vendors.
- Recruit Rotarians and local business owners as volunteer mentors for participating youth, giving guidance on product development, marketing, and financial literacy.
- Offer a Rotary-sponsored "Seed Fund" mini-grant contest for youth entrepreneurs to help launch or grow their business ideas, judged at a public market showcase.
- Share success stories and outcomes at club meetings, invite winners to speak, and seek media coverage to build future engagement.
Both initiatives reflect both urgent community needs and local interests, directly supporting Rotary’s commitment to education, economic opportunity, youth, and bridging equity gaps.
Context:
A recent article highlighted record-breaking community support for the local township food pantry, which serves hundreds of families facing food insecurity in Lake County, including Gurnee and Waukegan. Rising needs due to inflation, job instability, and other economic pressures show sustained—if not growing—demand for nutritious food access.
Potential Partners: - Local township food pantries (e.g., Avon Township, Libertyville Township) - Local grocery stores (e.g., Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s) and food distributors - Schools (especially those with high SNAP enrollment) - Faith-based organizations (e.g., St. Steven’s, local synagogues, mosques) - Volunteer groups (e.g., scouts, high school key clubs)
Next Steps: - Contact township leaders to identify specific gaps in stock (e.g., baby formula, protein, hygiene products). - Organize a rotating team of Rotary volunteers for regular collection drives at local groceries and neighborhood drop-offs. - Plan a fundraising event (e.g., a benefit dinner or ‘CANstruction’ art contest) to raise both food and funds. - Partner with local schools and faith groups for youth service hours and awareness campaigns about food insecurity. - Set a quarterly review with pantry coordinators to measure impact and adjust efforts.
Context:
Illinois recorded its second-highest number of tornadoes in 2025, making disaster preparedness an urgent community need—especially for vulnerable families in Lake County. There is an opportunity for Rotary to serve both through disaster education and by providing resources for preparedness and recovery.
Potential Partners: - Lake County Emergency Management Agency - Local fire departments and police (for safety workshops) - American Red Cross—Northern Illinois Chapter - Local schools and youth groups (for educational outreach) - Neighborhood associations and businesses for supply donations
Next Steps: - Meet with Lake County Emergency Management to coordinate community preparedness workshops on tornado/disaster safety—including how to build an emergency kit. - Seek local business sponsorship (hardware stores, outdoor outfitters) to secure donations of flashlights, first aid kits, and weather radios. - Host “Build Your Emergency Kit” pop-up events in Gurnee, Waukegan, and vulnerable neighborhoods, distributing kits and information, especially to seniors and low-income families. - Organize youth poster or video competitions about tornado safety, in partnership with area schools, with Rotary scholarships as prizes. - Establish a Rotary-led rapid response volunteer network poised to help with cleanup and aid distribution if/when local tornadoes or severe weather strikes again.
Certainly! Based on recent news and ongoing community needs in the Gurnee, Waukegan, and Lake County, IL regions, here are two Rotary service or fundraising opportunities that align with Rotary’s areas of focus:
1. Rotary Safe Youth Transport & Driving Education Outreach
Context:
Recent incidents in Lake County, including a Waukegan resident being arrested for driving with a revoked license and endangering a child’s welfare (per the Lake County Sheriff's Blotter), highlight an urgent need for improved driving education and awareness—especially around safe transportation for youth and families. Additionally, traffic safety is a concern with weather warnings (e.g., the National Weather Service alert about potentially dangerous snowy conditions), and the area has seen incidents involving pedestrian and rail safety near Metra tracks.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Sheriff's Office
- Local schools and parent-teacher associations (e.g., in Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville)
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
- Local insurance agencies
- Waukegan and Libertyville Metra stations
- Area hospitals or pediatricians (for child safety advocacy)
Next Steps:
- Organize a community event/weekend seminar on road safety, driving law awareness, and safe transport for children (including proper car seat use).
- Secure guest speakers from the Sheriff’s Office, IDOT, and hospital safety advocates.
- Offer free or subsidized driving safety courses for teens and adults with language support for Spanish-speaking families.
- Run a fundraising campaign to subsidize car seats or booster seats for low-income families, in partnership with local businesses.
- Promote the event through school newsletters, local media, and on-site at Metra stations.
2. Rotary Community Wellness & Mental Health Resource Fair
Context:
The tragic occurrences of deaths near Metra tracks, including the recent incident involving a 30-year-old man from Mundelein, raise concerns about mental health, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention in Lake County communities. With ongoing community stressors and the relative stigma in seeking help, access to mental health resources is a critical and timely need.
Potential Partners:
- Lake County Health Department (Behavioral Health Services)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake County Chapter
- Local counseling centers (e.g., Lake County Behavioral Health, Rosencrance)
- Area hospitals (Condell, Vista, Advocate)
- Metra and transit authorities (for awareness at stations)
- Faith-based organizations and youth services/recreation centers
Next Steps:
- Plan and host a Community Wellness & Mental Health Resource Fair in a public space (e.g., library, community center).
- Invite mental health professionals, crisis line volunteers, and local organizations to offer confidential screenings, support information, and Q&A sessions.
- Provide suicide-prevention workshops and distribute resource cards at Metra stations and youth centers.
- Launch a fundraising effort to support free counseling hours for uninsured/underinsured residents.
- Work with local media, schools, and social services to publicize the event and destigmatize mental health discussion.
Both initiatives directly support Rotary’s focus areas of community health, youth development, and education, while responding to acute challenges facing Lake County communities today.