The Rotary Club of Gurnee was chartered on April 22, 1988. Eight members from the Rotary Club of Waukegan formed this new breakfast club. The new Rotary Club was first named The Rotary Club of Gurnee - Waukegan. The name was shortened to the Rotary Club of Gurnee in 1994. The first major fundraiser for the club was the Lippizan's Horse Show in 1989, which raised over $6,000. In 1990 and 1991, the club sponsored a 50's Sock Hop with entertainer Ronnie Rice, and raised over $10,000. Since 1993, the club has held an annual charity auction and dinner. $14,000 in funds was raised with the auction in 1993. This event has been more successful every year. In 2005, over $30,000 was raised to be dispersed among local charities. In addition to donating funds to local charities, the club is an active participant in community activities such as Adopt-A-Highway, Gurnee Turkey Trot, Gurnee Days Festival, and food drives for the local shelters. The club has a working relationship with over 25 local charities. The club participates in many district events each year with Rotary, including the district conference. The Rotary Club of Gurnee has also been active in the foreign exchange program. The club has sponsored numerous inbound students from countries such as Brazil, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, and The Faroe Islands. The club also has sponsored outbound students to Belgium, Germany, Venezuela, and New Zealand, as well as providing numerous vocational scholarships to local high school students (at least two per year). In recent years, the club has enjoyed rapid membership growth. The club boasts an active membership of over 50 members. All new members are encouraged to participate in a "Fireside Chat" an opportunity to learn more about the club and ways to get more involved. Every year, one member receives The Rotarian of The Year Award for his/her achievements during that Rotarian year. The club works hard to find interesting speakers for each weekly meeting. Highlights of every meeting include "Braggin' Bucks", an opportunity to share personal news with the rest of the club and the singing of the club song. The Rotary Club of Gurnee is a friendly organization that welcomes visitors and fellow Rotarians.