Premier Leaders Event Raises $264K for Our Education Programs and 211
On June 4, Lake County civic and business leaders gathered for our 11th annual Premier Leaders Event at the charming Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest. 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 netted $264K for our education programs and 211! We are grateful for the generous support we received from so 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.
Donate School Supplies to Local Students
Lake County students are now out of school and enjoying their summer break. Even so, stores will soon be advertising back-to-school supplies for the fall. For families struggling to meet basic needs like food and shelter, school supplies become extras, not essentials. Without access to these supplies, children start the school year at a disadvantage.
But together, we can make a difference!
Join our Stuff the Bus supply drive! You can donate school supplies, or make a monetary donation, to help ensure every student goes back to school with the supplies they need. Now through August 15, you can contribute as an individual or your company/organization can team up to make a difference!
Volunteer with United Way This Summer
We have a variety of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities that individuals and organizations would find fun and fulfilling. We hope you’ll get involved! Check out the opportunities on our website.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom
Juneteenth is a day of reflection, celebration, and action. We honor the struggles and triumphs of the past while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. At United Way, we are dedicated to promoting equity, justice, and community empowerment.
Celebrating Pride in Lake County
Pride Month is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and acceptance for all. At United Way, we believe in creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
On June 8, we had the pleasure of sponsoring and participating in the LGBTQ+ Center’s PrideFest in Round Lake Beach, alongside many of our community partners.
Annual Meeting and Board Member Update
We were proud to hold our Annual Meeting at the National Museum of the American Sailor, where we highlighted our fiscal year 2024 impact, welcomed new board members, and thanked outgoing board members for their service. We’re grateful to Capt. Steve Yargosz, Commanding Officer at Naval Station Great Lakes, for hosting us and sharing the fascinating history of the base and what it means to serve.
We welcomed the following new members to our Board of Directors:
Jeff Babinski, American Place Casino
Maggie Dudzinska, Dickson
Antonio Garcia, Lake County Workforce Development
Jamie Epstein, Community Volunteer
Michael Karner, PhD, Regional Office of Education
Patrice Maloney-Knauff, Women United’s Global Leadership Council
Yeshwant Sanzgiri, AbbVie – Retired
Oscar Zepeda, Puro Fútbol News
A special thank you to outgoing board members, Clarence Berry, Steve Carlson, Dru Garcia, Demar Harris, Sandi Johnson, Mark Schweitzer, and Carl Skoog, for their dedicated service.
Read Our 2023 Annual Report
United Way of Lake County is pleased to share our fiscal year 2023 Annual Report. Flip through to see the collective impact you help make possible.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every donor, volunteer, corporate and community partner who helps us build a stronger Lake County community!
Now Hiring: Women United Coordinator
The Women United Coordinator develops and enhances relationships with donors, deepens donor relationships by supporting volunteer events, meetings and activities, partners with donors to raise funds, and provides value to Women United’s community impact initiatives.
