Women United of Lake County

06/18/2026

Women United of Lake County is proud to recognize Joan Ellis as the 2026 honoree on our Women Leading Change Wall.

For more than 30 years, Joan has dedicated her career to helping young children build a strong foundation for lifelong success. As Manager of the Round Lake Area Park District Child Development Center, she has created a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn while guiding her team with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

Joan's impact extends far beyond the classroom. Through community partnerships, grant funding, and scholarship opportunities, she has helped expand access to high-quality early learning for children and families throughout the Round Lake area. Her leadership has strengthened connections between families, schools, and community resources, ensuring more children have the opportunity to thrive.

As champions for early childhood education through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund, Women United is honored to celebrate Joan's extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting impact on our community.

Congratulations, Joan, and thank you for leading change for Lake County's youngest learners! 💙

06/16/2026

We are thrilled to announce that this year, we’ve distributed $195,390 through our Little Kids, Big Futures philanthropy fund to support critical kindergarten readiness programs in Lake County! These funds will help to provide a foundation for strong and successful academic futures for young learners in Lake County. 💙🏫

06/11/2026

Meet the women who are changing their community!

Join us on Tuesday, June 30 for an inspiring evening of connection & purpose. Hear their stories and learn how you can make a difference too!

RSVP to [email protected] for details.

Learn More: Wine & Learn - Prospective Member Event

06/04/2026

We loved seeing so many Women United members at this year’s Premier Leaders Event!

Thank you for your generosity, leadership, and commitment to strengthening our community. Your support helps create opportunities for children and families across Lake County and makes lasting impact possible.

We are proud to be part of this incredible community of women and grateful for all you do to help our neighbors thrive. 💙

05/14/2026

Teacher Appreciation! 💙

Last Friday, the Women United Social Committee celebrated the incredible teachers at Round Lake Area Park District Preschool — a Little Kids, Big Futures grantee — with a special Teacher Appreciation Breakfast.

Women United volunteers created thoughtful gift baskets filled with flowers, self-care items, and other fun surprises, and provided a grab-and-go breakfast to help start the day with a little extra joy.

We’re so grateful for the dedication, compassion, and energy these educators pour into their students each day. It was wonderful to give back in a small way and remind them how valued they are by the Women United community.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help make the morning so special!

05/06/2026

What a night! Big Futures Bash brought the ’70s vibes, the dance moves, and most importantly, the community together to support early learning programs across Lake County. We raised nearly $18,000 in the process!

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, danced, and made this night unforgettable. Your support is helping build big futures for local children—and that’s something worth celebrating.

If you couldn't attend or want to make an even bigger impact, there's still time: give.uwlakeco.org/give/765210

📸 Swipe through for some of our favorite moments, and view all photos here: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCSG2d

Have photos from the event you would like to share? Use the hashtag and tag us.

Huge thanks to our incredible event chairs, Maggie Dudzinska and Tricia Myers, committee members, and staff for making it all possible!

Also, a huge thank you to our sponsors:
Lakeland Building Supply, Uline, Rust-Oleum, City of Hope, Great Lakes Credit Union, The SBB Research Group Foundation

05/05/2026

🎢 Thrills for a great cause!

Join Women United and United Way of Lake County for Ride for a Reason: United Way Night at Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor on Friday, June 5.

Purchase a special anniversary-priced ticket and enjoy a full day at the park, plus exclusive evening ride time, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and more — all while supporting programs that strengthen our local community. 💙

🎟️ Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/UWLCSixFlags

Join us June 5 to celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary while supporting a great cause! Purchase a special $76 anniversary‑priced ticket and $15 from every ticket sold will be donated directly to United Way of Lake County!

Your ticket includes:
Admission 🎟️
Parking 🚗
All‑You‑Can‑Eat Buffet (6:00–7:30 PM at Picnic Grove) 🥤
Exclusive Ride Time (8:00–9:00 PM) 🎢

Purchase here: https://bit.ly/4tNWYjZ

04/22/2026

Last call to boogie! 🚨🪩

Big Futures Bash is just days away, and this is your last chance to grab tickets for a night of ’70s-inspired fun, live music from The Shagadelics, and meaningful impact.

Don’t miss your chance to dance for early learning and help give kids across Lake County a strong start.

🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://give.uwlakeco.org/event/big-futures-bash-2026/e765210

Share your event photos with us! 📸 Use the hashtag / and tag Women United of Lake County

04/15/2026

You voted, and the results are in… 🪩
Caught in a landslide—no escape from...the winner. 👑🎶
Our #1 favorite ’70s anthem is Bohemian Rhapsody! ✨

Clearly, Lake County has great taste. Now imagine dancing to hits like that all night long. 💃

Join us at Big Futures Bash on April 30 for a full night of disco/funk vibes, retro style, and live music from The Shagadelics—all while supporting kindergarten readiness programs for local kids.

🎟️ Don’t miss out—grab your tickets: https://give.uwlakeco.org/event/big-futures-bash-2026/e765210

04/09/2026

🎉 There’s still time to show your Women United pride! Good news—the order deadline has been extended, so you can still grab your favorite gear like hats, tees, sweatshirts, and more.

➡️ Place your order by April 14: womenunited2026.itemorder.com/shop/home