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Ribfest

We are an enthusiastic, diverse group of business and professional leaders who enjoy working with others and taking an active role in our community. Since the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club chartered in 2004, we have been supporting and assisting area organizations and international efforts.

HELP US GROW....As we continue to grow our Club membership, we encourage you to stop in for a visit during any one of our weekly meetings or check out details about becoming a member by clicking HERE.

We meet on the first Wednesday of the Month.

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.

350 Boulder Dr
Lake in the Hills , IL 60156
United States of America

Phone:

(847) 742-3378

Email:

lithribfest@gmail.com

We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Boulder Ridge CC. Our club is a service group and other meetings will be at a service location. Follow us on Facebook for updated locations

Venue Map

Nonprofit Grants 2025

The Rotary club of Lake in the Hills is excited to announce that our club is seeking proposals for projects and programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry County residents most in need. The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills has supported community nonprofit organizations through our signature event, Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest, and subsequent grants for the past 16 years. The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club has awarded over $250,000 in non-profit grants during that time. This year’s applications include several categories:

*TEAM Support Award- 1 award for $5,000 (maximum)

(Team Award is 2 NP’s working in conjunction on 1 project)

IMPACT: Each category will have 2 awards for $2,500 each (maximum)

Animal Rescue Impact Award – For agencies that are increasing protections for animals and are building and sustaining local capacities across the county to advance animal welfare.

Seniors and/or Veterans Impact Award– For agencies that have a mission to improve the quality of life for seniors and/or veterans within our area

Kids and Teens Impact Award – Agencies that that enhance the lives of the children and/or teens and empower them to become responsible, productive adults.

Mental Health/Addiction Recovery Impact Award – Agencies that deliver care, counseling, addiction services and/or residential mental healthcare.

*MAJOR Difference Maker Award - This is for any agency that may not fall into any of the above categories or feel their program will make a major difference in the area.

Applications are available at www.lithrotary.org

The Club is seeking proposals for projects and programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry/Kane County residents most in need.

Guidelines:

Eligible applicants are organizations or projects that benefit LITH and McHenry/Kane County residents.

Projects should demonstrate a need NOT supported by the organization’s ongoing operating budget.

Proposals for projects/programs should request only the amount needed for the specific project/program. The request should not exceed the maximum dollar amount of each specific grant.

Organizations are encouraged to apply for support of new initiatives or to increase the impact of an existing program.

Multiple TEAM Award applications will be accepted if the cooperating nonprofits are different in each application. Contact Becky Welter with any questions at lithrotarygrants@gmail.com

Organizations may apply for all three awards, but projects must be different. No organization will be awarded both MAJOR and IMPACT awards in the same year but may receive Team Award and one other award if two different projects.

Important dates:

Proposals are due no later than April 25th, 2025 at 5:00 pm

Checks will be awarded at an expo event with date and time TBD.

Submit application form electronically to: Becky Welter at lithrotarygrants@gmail.com

Application forms will be available on the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills website, www.lithrotary.org.

Any applying agency is requested volunteer at the Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest. Those agencies with 6 or more volunteers will be acknowledged on stage and have a QR code on-site for direct donations.

2024-2025 Scholarships Now Available!!

Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Scholarship Application 2024-2025

2413 W. Algonquin Rd. #305 • Algonquin, IL 60102

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is offering up to 8 Scholarships listed below for students to help prepare them for the future and fuel their passion toward a specific career. Candidates must also demonstrate their passion for involvement through community activities, employment and/or school activities.

Our Scholarships:

Tom Stock Memorial Scholarship: This $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior who is a member in good standing with the Rotary InterAct and demonstrates academic excellence as well as a commitment to community service.

Service Above Self Scholarship: This $2,500 scholarship which will be awarded to two high school senior who successfully demonstrates academic excellence as well as a commitment to community service.

Making a Difference Community/Vocational Scholarship: This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to five high school seniors who, through their community involvement in work or school, have made a difference in our community.

Application form is located in the document section of this page.

Please submit digitally to Lithrotaryclub@gmail.com

Any issues or questions, please contact Nicky Covarrubias at 312-813-5165 or lithrotaryclub@gmail.com

Non-Profit Grant applications now available

The Rotary club of Lake in the Hills is excited to announce that our club is seeking proposals for projects and programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry County residents most in need. The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills has supported community nonprofit organizations through our signature event, Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest, and subsequent grants for the past 14 years. The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club has award over $190,000 in non-profit grants during that time. This year’s applications include several different categories:

*TEAM Support Award- 2 awards @ $5,000 (maximum)

(Team Award is 2 NP’s working in conjunction on 1 project)

*IMPACT: Each category will have 2 awards for $3,000 each (maximum)

Animal Rescue Impact Award – For agencies that are increasing protections for animals and are building and sustaining local capacities across the county to advance animal welfare.
Seniors and/or Veterans Impact Award– For agencies that have a mission to improve the quality of life for seniors and/or veterans within our area
Kids and Teens Impact Award – Agencies that that enhance the lives of the children and/or teens and empower them to become responsible, productive adults.
Mental Health/Addiction Recovery Impact Award – Agencies that deliver care, counseling, addiction services and/or residential mental healthcare.

*MAJOR Difference Maker Award-maximum of 2 awards @ $3,000 (maximum) each

This is for any agency that may not fall into any of the above categories or feel their program will make a major difference in the area.

Applications are available at www.lithrotary.org

The Club is seeking proposals for projects and programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry/Kane County residents most in need.

Guidelines:

Eligible applicants are organizations or projects that benefit LITH and McHenry/Kane County residents.
Projects should demonstrate a need NOT supported by the organization’s ongoing operating budget.
Proposals for projects/programs should request only the amount needed for the specific project/program. The request should not exceed the maximum dollar amount of each specific grant.
Organizations are encouraged to apply for support of new initiatives or to increase the impact of an existing program.
Multiple TEAM Award applications will be accepted if the cooperating nonprofits are different in each application. Contact Becky Welter with any questions at lithrotarygrants@gmail.com
Organizations may apply for all three awards, but projects must be different. No organization will be awarded both MAJOR and IMPACT awards in the same year but may receive Team Award and one other award if two different projects.

Important dates:

Proposals are due no later than April 26^th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Checks will be awarded at an expo event with date and time TBD.

Format of Proposals:

Submit application form electronically to: Becky Welter at lithrotarygrants@gmail.com
Application forms will be available on the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills website, www.lithrotary.org.

Checks will be awarded at a Club Expo meeting along with the Algonquin/LITH Chamber of Commerce at a date TBD. Each organization receiving a grant agrees to have a representative at that meeting. Grant winners will have a table to display information about their organization and the winning project to the LITH Rotarians in an expo fashion. Each grant winning organization will be featured on the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills website with a photo and a description of the winning project/program.

Any applying agency will have first opportunity to volunteer at the Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest. Those agencies with 6 or more volunteers will be acknowledge on stage and have a QR code on-site for direct donations.

2023-2024 Scholarships now available

Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Scholarship Application 2023-2024

P.O. Box 7386 • Algonquin, IL 60102

Our Scholarships:

Application form is located in the document section of this page.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

We would like to thank all our sponsors for their financial support of our organization. We are so fortunate to have such generous donors and we can never really thank you enough. Their contribution will be used towards grants for area’s nonprofit organizations, scholarships for high school seniors and international service projects. We want you to know their sponsorships means the world to us!

As a sponsor, their contributions are vital to continuing this important work. We cannot succeed without their generosity. And we hope that the extra exposure they received with their involvement will translate to new business. Sponsorships are a win/win for everyone involved!
We are looking forward to partnering with everyone at next year’s Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest! July 11th thru 14th, 2024
This year’s Sponsors include
Castle Autoplex, Chas. Herdrich and sons, Crystal Lake Bank and Trust, FNIC Group, Flood Bros., FNBO, Meijer and Rush Creek Distillery

New Ribfest Website

The Rockin' Rotary Ribfest is coming July 7th - 10th and we have a new website: http://rockinrotaryribfest.com. Check out our great entertainment lineup, all our professional pitmasters and the vendors that will be joining us this year. Plan on joining us on Saturday for Tommy Decarlo, lead singer for Boston.

2022 Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is offering up to 5 Scholarships listed below for students to help prepare them for the future and fuel their passion toward a specific career. Candidates must demonstrate their passion for involvement through community activities, employment and/or school activities.

Our Scholarships

Tom Stock Memorial Scholarship: This $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior who is a member in good standing with the Rotary InterAct and demonstrates academic excellence as well as a commitment to community service.

Service Above Self Scholarship: This $2,000 scholarship which will be awarded to one high school senior who successfully demonstrates academic excellence as well as a commitment to community service.

Making a Difference Community/Vocational Scholarship: This $500 scholarship will be awarded to three high school seniors who, through their community involvement in work or school, have made a difference in our community.

Completed applications are due to the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills in hardcopy or by email no later than March 30, 2022. Postmark dates will be accepted. The applications should be sent to: Lake in the Hills Rotary Club P.O. Box 7386, Algonquin, IL 60102 or gappaj@live.com.

Chamber Rotary Mixer

Ribfest Vendor Blender

Rockin' Ribfest Vendor Blender is a fantastic place to shop and share your support for small businesses in our local community while enjoying great food, music and company!

We are so excited to host this event and give our crafters, creators, local entrepreneurs and pillars in the community a chance to showcase their work. We've all been through so much this year, this is a GREAT chance for businesses to share how they've evolved or pivoted, what they've created, and reconnect with the community.

We've expanded our footprint to bring in all types of handcrafted goods and local services for Ribfest attendees to shop and network with. Small business, music and food has never felt so good! Raffles, swag bags, unique goodies and deals galore as you wander the park to shop and mingle! Great stuff for the kids, too!

Click on the link on the website for an application.

Thanksgiving Basket Project 2020

On Sunday November 22nd, , 2020, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills will host it’s 34th Annual Thanksgiving Community Basket Project. Themed, , “Give Back, and Give Thanks,” the project provides families in need with a complete turkey dinner and a means to celebrate. 2020 has proven that the faces of those in need are changing in our community - and we are here to help. Signups are being received through the Algonquin/LITH InterFaith Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Huntley.

LITH Rotary’s “Rockin Rotary RibFest” is the major support behind this project. Due to the fact that our major fundraiser was cancelled this year, we are looking for your help. The Algonquin Jewel (on Randall Rd.) will be accepting donations at its registers. As a shopper you can round up, give a specific amount ($25, $50, $100), or donate any nonperishable items.

Checks can be mailed directly to the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, P.O. Box 7386, Algonquin, IL 60102.

** Any donations made directly to the club in the amount of $250 or more, will automatically be entered into a SPECIAL DRAWING.

We welcome individuals and groups that would like to volunteer to contact Lindsay at the number below.

The Alg/LITH Interfaith Food Pantry cannot stress enough, that need is up and donations are down. Recipients of food go through a vetting process and can only receive food from their local food pantry according to their address - people in need are not able to travel to other pantries and receive. It is IMPERATIVE that we help locally, and lift those up that have recently found themselves in a position that a year ago was unthinkable.

For further information contact: LINDSAY HERRERA (815) 546-9415

2020 Grant Applications

2020 Grant applications are now being accepted.

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, one of the more than 34,000 worldwide Rotary clubs, has supported community nonprofit organizations through fundraising and subsequent grants for the past 11 years.

The Club is seeking proposals for projects and programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry County residents most in need.

Grants Available:

*MAJOR Support Award-maximum of 4 awards @ $1000 (maximum) each

*IMPACT Award- 1 award @ $2000 (maximum)

*TEAM Support Award- 1 award @ $3000 (maximum)

Applications can be downloaded from the link on the lower left of this page

Edited 2-29 with correct available grants.

Meeting location change

It's that time of year again! Our next meeting, December 18 @ noon will be at Jacobs HS for our annual turkey distribution. The next regular meeting will be January 8 at Lou Malnatis @ noon. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

LITH Rotary Club Seeking Community Projects

The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club is interested in providing support, both monetarily and hands-on, which directly impacts an organization or individual located in Lake in the Hills. To submit a request, please email a brief description of your organization, project or need along with who will benefit from your work to Dot Dustin atddustin@dustinandcompany.com

It is through the fundraising efforts of the Rotary Ribfest and other programs that the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club is able to provide support locally and internationally to a variety of organizations.

The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and build goodwill. Club meets weekly on Wednesday, Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Moretti’s Ristorante in Lake in the Hills. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, visit www.lith.org .

Serving at the STC Soup Kitchen!

1-13-17

The first service project for the Club for 2017 was held on 1-13-17 at the STC Soup Kitchen, located on the north side of Chicago. Our club participates in many service projects, embracing the philosophy that community can be interpreted as being local, regional or international. The simple goal of the club is to embrace and operate under the current Rotary year theme which is "Rotary Serving Humanity". As such, our club is dedicated to taking on projects that serve persons of need locally and beyond! The STC soup kitchen has been in operation for about 40 years and serves between 90 - 150 guests. This has become an annual trek for the club, filling in at a time when their normal volunteer base isn't able to meet the need.

And Another Grant Award is issued........

As the Rotary year winds to an end, the Club had the pleasure of awarding a major grant award of $1,800 to Options and Advocacy for McHenry County. Prior to the presentation, Executve Director Cindy Sullivan gave a presentation to the club on organization. Options and Advocacy is an organization with the goal of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy and coordination of service options for a better life.

Executive Director Sullivan presenting on the organization she leads.

Presentation of $1,800 check!

And the Major Grant Awards Keep on Being Awarded!!

This year, the Club started a new program initiated by our Community Service Committee. The Major Grant Awards program started with a call for applications from organizations and entities for programs and projects that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills and McHenry County residents. One of the requirements was that the project should demonstrate a need not currently supported by the organization's ongoing operating budget. Proposals were due by May 15, 2016 and the Club received 25 completed grant requests! This made it extremely difficult for the Community Service Committee as all the applications represented projects that clearly were worthwhile and beneficial to the community. The Club started issuing the awards on June 1, with TLS Veterans receiving a $2,000 grant which will enable them to implement upgrades at the New Horizons transitional living home. On June 8, 2016, the Club issued a $2,000 award to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - McHenry County (NAMI). This award will enable NAMI to provide Mental Health First Aid Training to approximately 120 first responders from the Lake in the Hills area. On June 15, 2016, the Club awarded its 3rd Major Grant Award to Turning Point, a domestic violence agency serving McHenry County. Turning Point assists victims of domestic abuse with advocacy services, counseling and emergency shelter. Jane Farmer, Executive Director for Turning Point, told the members at the meeting that the award of $2,000 will be used to purchase a new refrigerator for their shelter as well a bed.

Today, the Club awarded Grant # 4 and Grant #5! The first grant went to the Senior Care Volunteer Network, an organization dedicated to help seniors remain independent and at home for as long as possible. Their successful grant application for $1,540 will fund a senior birthday bag program for 750 recipients. Executive Director Sarah Ponitz was on hand to receive the award. The second award was to Mane in Heaven, an organization that provides therapeutic benefits through animal assisted activity and therapy visits with miniature horses. Their successful grant application for $651 will help fund educational and therapy visits. Board members Jennifer Chernak and Hans Mach were on hand to accept the award on behalf of Mane in Heaven.

Executive Director Sarah Ponitz receiving grant check!

Board members Jennifer Chernak and Hans Mach receiving grant check!

Round 3 - Major Grant Awards!

This year, the Club started a new program initiated by our Community Service Committee. The Major Grant Awards program started with a call for applications from organizations and entities for programs and projects that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills and McHenry County residents. One of the requirements was that the project should demonstrate a need not currently supported by the organization's ongoing operating budget. Proposals were due by May 15, 2016 and the Club received 25 completed grant requests! This made it extremely difficult for the Community Service Committee as all the applications represented projects that clearly were worthwhile and beneficial to the community. The Club started issuing the awards on June 1, with TLS Veterans receiving a $2,000 grant which will enable them to implement upgades at the New Horizons transitional living home. On June 8, 2016, the Club issued a $2,000 award to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - McHenry County (NAMI). This award will enable NAMI to provide Mental Health First Aid Training to approximately 120 first responders from the Lake in the Hills area. Stay tuned as the Club presents awards to other successful applicants!

Today, the Club awarded its 3rd Major Grant Award to Turning Point, a domestic violence agency serving McHenry County. Turning Point assists victims of domestic abuse with advocacy services, counseling and emergency shelter. Jane Farmer, Executive Director for Turning Point, told the members at the meeting that the award of $2,000 will be used to purchase a new refrigerator for their shelter as well a bed.

Major Grant Awards Program

This year, the Club started a new program initiated by our Community Service Committee. The Major Grant Awards program started with a call for applications from organizations and entities for programs and projects that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills and McHenry County residents. One of the requirements was that the project should demonstrate a need not currently supported by the organization's ongoing operating budget. Proposals were due by May 15, 2016 and the Club received 25 completed grant requests! This made it extremely difficult for the Community Service Committee as all the applications represented projects that clearly were worthwhile and beneficial to the community. The Club started issuing the awards on June 1, with TLS Veterans receiving a $2,000 grant which will enable them to implement upgades at the New Horizons transitional living home. On June 8, 2016, the Club issued a $2,000 award to the National Alliance on Mental Illness - McHenry County (NAMI). This award will enable NAMI to provide Mental Health First Aid Training to approximately 120 first responders from the Lake in the Hills area. Stay tuned as the Club presents awards to other successful applicants!

Fruit of Labor!

After many hours of making blankets by our Rotarians and Jacobs HS Interactors at today's meeting representatives from Phil's Friends were present where they gave a presentation on their organization and they were given over 70 blankets. The blankets are part of a Care Package that Phil's Friends provides to cancer patients around the country.

Joint Project with Jacobs High School Interact Club

On Tuesday, February 16, 2016, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills joined forces with the Jacobs High School Interact Club to make 77 blankets. The blankets are going to be donated to Phil's Friends, an organization that assists cancer patients, including providing care packages as they are undergoing treatment. Great teamwork project for a great cause!

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

On Wednesday evening, a number of our Club members braved the winter weather to stand outside a local food store to sing Christmas carols, greet shoppers and raise funds for the Salvation Army!

Donation to Pioneer Center for Human Services

At At our December 2, 2015 regular meeting, the Club presented Pioneer Center for Human Services with a $5,000 check donation!

Battle of the Books!

On November 20, 2015, our Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Huntley, presented checks at Conley Elementary School to support the Battle of the Books program. Rotary has embraced programs that enhance literacy and these funds will help the program acquire over 200 books. In May of 2016, the two Clubs will return with volunteers to help run the final contest involved in the program.

Food Pantry Service

Once every quarter, instead of our regular meeting at Morettie's (our regular meeting location at 220 N. Randall Rd.), the Club tries to have a working meeting at the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry. On October 28, 2015, Club members spent the time cleaning bins to be used for food donations as well as cleaning counters and floors. Additionally the members helped stock the shelves!

Working Meeting at the Food Pantry

This past week's Wednesday meeting was held at the Algonquin - Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry. The club is testing a pilot project where every 3 months instead of meeting at the club's normal meeting venue, Morettie's, the Club will meet at the food pantry and it will be a working lunch. This meeting, which kicked off this project, had club members cleaning up several refrigerators and food bins.

Welcome To The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills

Service Above Self

What's Going On & Coming Up

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