Jaycees Look to Establish Grayslake Chapter

Are you age 21 to 40 and interested in joining an organization where you can learn professional development and leadership skills while helping your community?

The Jaycees may be for you.

The Illinois Jaycees are hoping to establish a Grayslake chapter and invite you to an informational meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vine, located at 101 Center St., in Grayslake, on Monday, Oct. 15.

The event is being hosted by Vine owner Michael Pruitt, who was recognized for all of his community involvement by the U.S. Jaycees as an Outstanding Young American earlier this summer.

"This year we are looking at places for potential growth," said Joanne Rinaldo, president of the Illinois Jaycees. "We think Grayslake will be a good fit for us."

Currently, the closest communities with a Jaycees chapter are Mundelein, Palatine and Hoffman Estates.

Created in 1920, the Jaycees are a leadership development group for outstanding young adults between the ages of 21 and 40.

"Our mission is to empower young people to create positive change and create the world's largest young adults leadership network in the world. As part of the Jaycee organization, you will be able to network, learn new skills and make a positive impact in yourself and your community," said Rinaldo.

It will take 20 members to be recognized as an official Jaycees chapter, but the service organization hopes to start with at least 10 members and go from there, said Rinaldo.

"We're definitely hoping to get there before the end of the year," she said.

Once established as a chapter, meetings would be held once a month in addition to coordinating community activities. Dues would be $40 for the first six months.

Click here to learn more about the Illinois Jaycees.