Home Page | Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills

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 second Wednesday of the Month.

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 12:00 PM

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 second 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

17th annual Rockin' Rotary Ribfest

July 6 - 9

www.rockinrotaryribfest.com

Vendor Blender Payment

Signup to pour Beer at Ribfest

Be a partner for Ribfest

This popular food & music event features world-class BBQ vendors from across the nation offering the tastiest ribs, brisket, and more along with the best rock music entertainment of the season over 4 nights in July! This years line-up includes Asia featuring John Payne on Saturday night, July 8^th. Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest takes place at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills on July 6-9.

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, proceeds from this event directly benefit our community. Past donations have gone to PADS, Interact, high school scholarships, LITH Veterans Memorial as well as grants for local non-profit organizations. Your partnership with Ribfest connects you with our community and you can feel great about knowing you are helping others while doing it.

Sponsorships range from $250 - $10,000 to offer a level of support to fit any budget. Please join us!

The rate card that highlights these different sponsorship levels is available in the link on this page

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to speaking with you in more detail and look forward to your support.

Wade Merritt

Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills

847-561-7179 or email wade.merritt10@gmail.com.com

Non-profit grants now being accepted

Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills is now accepting applications Non-Profit Grants

January 13, 2023 – 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 13 years. The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club has award over $150,000 in non-profit grants during that time. This year’s applications have undergone some changes and now include 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 28^th, 2023 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.

2022-23 Scholarships now available

Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, Illinois

Scholarship Application 2022-2023

P.O. Box 7386 • 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.

October & November Schedule

October 8^th Dream Riders Project 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

October 12^th Boulder Ridge Noon – Laura Franz from Veterns Path to Hope

October 27^th Ribfest meeting – evening TBD

October 29^th Highway Cleanup – 9:00 am Ken Carpenter Park

November 2^nd Board Meeting Noon – zoom

November 3^rd Foundation Dinner – Hyatt Schaumburg 5:30 pm

November 9^th Boulder Ridge noon General meeting

November 18 – 20^th Thanksgiving meals 20^th will be distribution at Village Hall

Grant Award Ceremony

September 24, 2022 – The Rotary club of Lake in the Hills is excited to announce that we have awarded $10,000 to Cal’s Angels. Cal's Angels is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer foundation with a mission of granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer. Because we have lived the battle with pediatric cancer, we understand what these families are going through. The help that we provide these families through our programs is a great resource when they need it the most. The funds were obtained during this years Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest from tips received during the fest.

The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills held a grant award ceremony at Boulder Ridge Country Club where each non-profit that received a grant from the club was able to detail the project their organization would be using the funding for.

The criteria for the grants center around programs that help improve the quality of life for Lake in the Hills (LITH) and McHenry County most vulnerable residents. 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 12 years. The grants are broken down to three categories, Major Support, Impact and Team grants.

Those in attendance were:

Kids in Need, McHenry

Sandy’s Stockings

Senior Care Volunteer Network

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Veterans Path to Hope

Northern Illinois Food Bank

District 300 Food Pantry

Turning Point and Care Center (Northwest CASA)

September Schedule

9/7 – KIN Clean up 55 E Crystal Lake Ave Crystal Lake 11:30am – 1:00pm

9/14 – Regular meeting, Dream Riders speaker, Boulder Ridge 12:00pm

9/22 – Grant Award Ceremony, Boulder Ridge 5:00pm – 7:00pm

9/23-25 Huntley Fall fest – Exact times TBD

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.

2022 Grant Applications

2022 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 12 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 @ $2,500 (maximum) each

*IMPACT Award-2 awards @ $3,000 (maximum)

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

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

Kids in Need (KIN) project

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.

December meetings

During December we will not have any in-person meetings. All will be over zoom on Wednesday at noon. Please click on the attached link to join in. Everyone is welcome!!

Topic: Rotary Meetings - December
Time: Dec 2, 2020 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
       Every week on Wed, until Dec 30, 2020, 5 occurrence(s)
       Dec 2, 2020 12:00 PM
       Dec 9, 2020 12:00 PM
       Dec 16, 2020 12:00 PM
       Dec 23, 2020 12:00 PM
       Dec 30, 2020 12:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcldO6hqTgoGN31GAb7mPy7QkB0G8PTw-rW/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrpjgtE9OWshuORpwqGojCKPPwtnZBjY0OzTjEAXdeUhqhB-lgYpUnIOzH

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83837973229?pwd=QjJnUEs1VkhiYWh1ZWFBcFJxNGhhQT09

Meeting ID: 838 3797 3229
Passcode: 878517

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

9-16 Meeting at Happy Hour Yoga

Scholarship Winners Announced

The Lake in the Hills Rotary Club is proud to announce the award of $8,500 in academic scholarships to eight outstanding high school graduates for the class of 2020.

Ribfest 2020 Cancelled

   The 15th Annual Rocking Rotary Ribfest, scheduled to take place July 9-12, 2020 at Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills, has been cancelled due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

     In consideration of the “Restore Illinois” guidelines issued by the State of Illinois, including the capacity restrictions until Phase 5 has been achieved, in conjunction with a concern for the safety of Ribfest attendees, volunteers and entertainers, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills has determined that it is not practical to hold the event this year.

     The decision to cancel Ribfest came only after numerous discussions within the committee, after careful consideration and research.

     The Ribfest is the major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, providing funds for the club to achieve many of its goals, some of which include funding a number of local community service initiatives & projects, scholarships to local seniors, and grants for local not-for-profits servicing the Lake in the Hills community.

      The Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills looks forward to seeing everyone at Ribfest 2021!

2020 Grant Applications

2020 Grant applications are now being accepted.

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.

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 3 awards @ $2000 (maximum) each

*IMPACT Award-1 award @ $4000 (maximum)

*TEAM Support Award-1 award @ $3000 (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.

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!