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.

Please Join Us For Lunch

Service Above Self

We meet Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Lou Malnati's

8515 Redtail Dr
Village of Lakewood, IL 60014
United States

Phone:

(847) 742-3378

Email:

lithribfest@gmail.com

Venue Map

Club Grants Available!

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, one of the more than 34,000 worldwide Rotary clubs, has supported community nonprofit organizations through fund raising 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 5 awards @ $2000 (maximum) each

*IMPACT Award-1 award @ $5000 (maximum)

*TEAM Support Award-1 award @ $5000 (maximum)

Please go to the links at the bottom left of this page for further information and applications!

Phil's Friends Blanket Making Project

On April 4th the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club will combine forces with the Jacobs Interact Club to make blankets for Phil's Friends. We will not hold our regular meeting at noon.

2018 Rotary Scholarships are now available!

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is offering up to 6 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 are as follows:

Tom Stock Memorial Scholarship: This is a $3,000 Scholarship which 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 is a $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 Scholarship: These are $1,500 scholarships which will be awarded to four high school seniors who, through their community involvement through work or school, have made a difference in our community.

Under forms download the Scholarship Requirements as well as the Scholarship Application and return them to us by March 31st!

Regular Meeting for November 1, 2017 is Cancelled!

Picture above is along the river. Picture below shows students
at the school.

The regular meeting for November 1, 2017 has been cancelled as the majority of club members will be attending the Reception and Dinner, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove, being held regarding Ak’ Tenamit, the evening of November 1.

Ak' Tenamit is an indigenous community development organization that promotes long-term solutions to poverty through education, health, income generation and cultural programs.

Looking for Volunteers for our Thanksgiving Basket Project

On Sunday November 19th we will be distributing the food families will need to prepare meals for Thanksgiving. In preparation to distribute food to close to 200 families we will need a lot of help. Here are the times we need help with.

Friday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM or a little later.

Unload food, boxes and sort food

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Unload more food and assemble packages for distribution.

Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Assist with folks that are picking up food or deliver food to the folks that can't make it to us.

All of this is taking place at Lake in the Hills Village Hall located at 600 Harvest Gate, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156. If you are available please contact Jim Benages at 847-721-5677 or email lithrotarybasket@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Basket Project

On Sunday November 19th the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills will hand out and deliver Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. The baskets will contain the typical items a family would need to host a nice Thanksgiving meal. If you are in need or you are aware of someone that could use a little additional help as we enter the holiday season please pass this information along. The sign up form for the baskets is under forms on the left side of this page.

Visioning Session

The regular meeting of the club for October 4 will be cancelled as the entire club will be participating in a Visioning Session that week! The Visioning Session will be an active 3 1/2 - 4 hour workshop involving all club members. The outcome of session will help create a plan to achieve the vision as to what the club would like to accomplish over the next three years both locally and around the world. During the session, led by four facilitators from Rotary District 6440, the members will discuss the Club’s future in areas such as community service, vocational service, international service and the efforts of creating a stronger Club organization.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in 169 countries.

2017-2018 Installation Dinner

On Sunday, June 25, 2017, our Club held the 2017/2018 Installation dinner. Our incoming President Jim Benages and the Board of Officers and Directors were installled for the 2017/2018 Rotary year. Representing the District leadership was our very own Assistant Governor Mary Bishop and District Governor Nominee, Julie Clark, who conducted the installation. It also was an opportunity for members to hear what is being planned by our new president for the upcoming year! Good luck Jim!

2016-17 Grant Winners Announced

Posted on May 27, 2017

2016 Lake in the Hills Rotary Rockin' RibFest proceeds fund numerous local organizations and projects. During the months of April and May 2017, not-for-profit organizations all over McHenry county were given the opportunity to submit grant proposals for a share of $19,000 in grant awards.

Battle of the Books 2017

Posted on May 05, 2017

Last year, we donated money to a local school for a program called "Battle of the Books" so that books could be purchased for 4th and 5th graders. They split up into teams, had an opportunity to read 30 different books and then 'compete' on what they remembered from what they read. Today was one of those competitions. We had the pleasure of moderating several of the rounds. It was so much fun to share in the kids' excitement and amazing how much recall they had from the stories they read!

Scholarship Opportunities 2017!

Please share with any high school seniors you know who may be eligible to benefit!

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is offering scholarship opportunities for graduating high-school seniors. The following is a breakdown of the different scholarships available for the school year 2016/2017:

Tom Stock Memorial Scholarship: This $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one high school senior who is a Rotary Interact member, demonstrates academic excellence, a significant commitment to community service and is involved in extra-curricular activities.

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

Making a Difference Community Scholarship: This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to four high school seniors who successfully made a difference in our community.

Completed applications are due April 29, 2017.

For more information and the application, go to link on this page, left side, under Forms, Scholarship Information and Application or go to:

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000002386/en-ca/files/homepage/scholarship-information-and-application/Scholarship-Application.pdf

It's Grant Time Again!

Calling all Not-For-Profits (NFPs)! Here's a wonderful opportunity to apply for a grant for that special project you've been trying to get done but just can't get into your budget. The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is awarding 9 grants to local NFPs in three different categories. Deadline for application is May 12th, 2017. All criteria and applications can be found at www.lithrotary.org. Know an NFP that could qualify? Tell them to check this out but don't wait.

Literacy is for ALL Ages

Literacy is the ability to read, view, write, design, speak and listen in a way that allows you to communicate effectively. The power of literacy lies not just in the ability to read and write, but rather in a person’s capacity to apply these skills to effectively connect, interpret and discern the intricacies of the world in which they live.

We are all "Phil's Friends"

Posted on Mar 15, 2017

A real team approach to Service above Self...

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.

On Eagles Wings!

The Club met on 12-14-16 at Jacobs High School. It was a very special event as club members had the opportunity to tour the in-school food pantry that the club partnered with District 300 to start. The club provided initial funding of $5,000 to help initiate the project and has committed to supporting the project on a long term basis. The project, called "On Eagles Wings", enables students to bring home supplemental food supplies as well as other supplies. After the tour, the club members delivered Holiday food baskets to students (and their families) participating in the food pantry.

What a week!

This has been quite a week for our club members!

As is required by our bylaws, the election of Officers and Directors took place at our first meeting in December, which was December 7, 2017. Elected Officers for the 2017-2018 term were the following: Jim Benages as President, Bill Dustin as President- Elect, Jim Wales as Secretary, Yvonne Cornett as Treasurer. Elected Directors to the Board were Steve Swanson, Colleen Wales, Ron Magrini and Jack Bechaud. Dot Dustin, the current President will serve as Immediate Past President. These positions are effective July 1, 2017.

Another item on the agenda for this week was the annual ringing the bells for the Salvation Army. Every year our club selects a date to go out to help this non-profit raise funds to help the needy. Invariably, it almost always turns out to be one of the coldest days and this year was no exception. Braving the cold this year, a great number of club member showed up to help ring the bells! It may have been freezing but the warmth brought on by the comaraderie between members helps the club achieve this objective every year!

The last major item addressed by the club this week was the authorization of sending emergency relief funds in the amount of $1,000 to the Rotary Club of Gatlinburg Tennessee. That area has been devastated by wildfires with loss of life, injuries and a substantial number homes damaged or destroyed and the Rotary Club for Gatlinburg has initiated efforts to help wherever they can.

$45000 Donation to Build Veterans Memorial

In May 2014, the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club announced that they would be donating $45,000, toward the construction of the Veterans Memorial located at the Lake in the Hills Village Hall.

LITH Rotary Club President Dot Dustin presents the third of three $15,000 checks to Paul Mulcahy, Village President

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!

Introducing our New Club President!

On June 24 Dot Dustin was installed as the Club's President for the 2016-2017 Rotary year! Dot, as were the Officers and Directors for 2016/2017, were installed by DGN Don Brewer, a past Assistant Governor for our Club.

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!

Special Guest at Our May 11, 2016 Meeting!

Several weeks ago it was mentioned at the weekly meeting that our club was disbursing funds from the emergency/disaster relief line item in the budget. We sent $1000 to Fairdale, IL and $1000 to Quito, Ecuador.

Tomorrow we have a wonderful opportunity as Rotarian Marcelo Avila from the Rotary Club Quito Latitude Cero, will be a guest at our meeting. He will visit with us and talk about how those monies are helping his community get back on its feet.

Please join us for a unique opportunity to hear first hand how our Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is making a difference globally and giving the people of Quito, Ecuador hope in the face of insurmountable devastation from the recent earthquake.

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.