Lake in the Hills Rotary awards $51,000 to local nonprofits

On Sept. 18, the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills held its annual grant award ceremony at Boulder Ridge Country Club in Lake in the Hills.

The club has supported community nonprofit organizations through its signature event, Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest.

This year the club awarded $51,700 to local nonprofits in the McHenry County area. The club has awarded more than $190,000 in nonprofit grants during the last 15 years. These grants are made possible by the support of the community by attending Ribfest and from generous sponsors.

This year’s applications include several different categories:

• Two awards of $5,000 for TEAM Support — Team Award consists of two or more local nonprofit organizations working collaboratively on a single project. This year’s recipients are Child Advocacy Center along with the McHenry County Juvenile Association and Turning Point along with Main Stay Therapeutic Farm.

• Animal Rescue Award — This supports agencies that are increasing protection for animals as well as building and sustaining local capacities across our county’s footprint to advance animal welfare. This year’s recipients are Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Hoof Woof & Meow, On Angels Wings, Mane in Heaven, and Hooved Animal Humane Society.

• Seniors and/or Veterans Award — This supports agencies that have a mission to improve the quality of life for seniors and/or veterans living in our area. This year’s recipients are Consumer Credit Counseling, Veterans Path to Hope, and Senior Care Volunteer Network

• Kids and Teens Award — This supports agencies that enhance the lives of the children and/or teens by helping empower them to become responsible, productive adults. This year’s recipients are Community Connections for Youth, The Break, and Kids in Need.

• Mental Health/Addiction Recovery Award — This supports agencies that deliver care, counseling, addiction services and/or residential mental health care for those that need it most. The recipients of this award are New Directions Recovery Services and Independence Health and Therapy.

• MAJOR Difference Maker — This is for any agency that may not fall into any of the above categories and we feel their program will make a major difference in the area. This year’s recipients are Refuge for Women, District 300 Food Pantry, and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

The club would like to thank all of those who attended this year’s Rib Fest and look forward to seeing everyone next year — July 10-13.