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.