Premier Leaders Event Raises $275K for Our Education Programs and 211

On May 19, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 9th annual Premier Leaders Event at The Shanty in Wadsworth. Attendees mingled while enjoying food and cocktails, learned about our work and plans to increase programming, and then raised their paddles in support of our programs.
We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $275K for our education programs and 211! We are so grateful for the generous support we received from many individuals as well as our sponsors. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Premier Leaders Event a great success!

View photos from the event below.

Help Us Stuff the Bus!

Each year, kids across Lake County go back to school lacking the necessary supplies needed to thrive in school. The price for essential supplies is increasing and many low-income families struggle to afford everything on their child’s school supply list.

But together, we can make a difference!

Join our Stuff the Bus donation drive! By providing students with new school supplies, you’ll be helping prepare them for their academic studies, build their self-esteem and set them up for success. This is a cause worth getting involved in and we hope you’ll take part!

Now through July 7, you can contribute as an individual or your company can team up to make a difference! You can donate school supplies, make an online donation, or help us spread the word.

AbbVie Awarded for Vaccine Efforts

AbbVie was recently awarded by the PR News’ Social Impact Awards for their temporary vaccination clinic. When vaccines were first approved in the U.S., AbbVie launched this drive-thru clinic for local, underserved seniors in Lake County. We were proud to collaborate with AbbVie and our 211 partners to promote the clinic. The awareness building campaign resulted in more than 6,000 people in Lake County getting their vaccines safely, conveniently, and at no charge. Thank you, AbbVie, for making a remarkable impact on the lives of people right here in our community.

Attend an Upcoming Event with Leaders United

Leaders United—our group of young professionals who give, advocate and volunteer in Lake County—are hosting two upcoming events.

On June 1, from 6-7 p.m., Leaders United will be hosting a virtual conversation with Ruth Rosales, owner of Coffee Break and Lunch in Waukegan. Participants will learn how this female and minority-owned business is creating change in Lake County. To attend, please contact Michelle.Sanchez@uwlakeco.org and she will send you a link.

On June 16, from 6-8 p.m., join Leaders United for their Summer Social networking event at Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake. This will be a great opportunity to meet other young people who are passionate about giving back and making a difference in their community.

Learn more about the events by clicking below.

Play A-Round for Lake County Kids

Join Women United for their co-ed golf fundraiser “Play A-Round for Lake County Kids” on Monday, July 11 at White Deer Run Golf Club in Vernon Hills. This shotgun scramble golf fundraiser will support early childhood education in Lake County through Women United’s Little Kids, Big Futures Fund.

Last year’s golf outing was such a success, we can’t wait to welcome back our steadfast supporters and new friends for another fun day of great golf, food, competition and prizes at one of Lake County’s favorite courses.

Golf event tickets are $175 per person and include an on-course lunch and a buffet dinner. Golfers will register in twosomes or foursomes. Additional event details can be found on the registration page.

Golfers who register by June 13 will be entered into the Early Bird Raffle for a special prize. Don’t golf? Join us for dinner! Tickets are $50.

Women United Hosts Early Learning Clubs

Women United has partnered with Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan to provide five monthly Early Learning Club (ELC) sessions for resident families in the onsite community room. This program supports foundational skill development for preschoolers and helps parents become their children’s first and best teachers. In addition to fun and learning, Women United provides a hot dinner and dessert, a new book for every child, and access to everyday items like household cleaners, paper goods and personal hygiene products.

All sessions are run by Women United volunteers who have been trained in United Way of Lake County’s ELC curricula. We are proud to offer a program that brings families together and will help ensure these kids are ready to start school strong!