Grayslake Gives:
Exchange Club of Grayslake

Family, Community, Country – Words lived by the Exchange Club of Grayslake established over 52 years ago on August 20, 1971.

About the Exchange Club of Grayslake

The Exchange Club, known as America’s Service Club, is dedicated to service through Americanism including veteran affairs, community service, youth programs and nationally on the prevention of child abuse.

In the Village Center, each year there are numerous events that the Exchange Club of Grayslake (ECG) is actively involved in to fundraise and distribute money back into our community. When you purchase a beer at Grayslake Summer Days held each August, or enjoy the delicious food at their annual pancake breakfast held at the Hawley Street fire station each October, all the money raised is going to local non-profit organizations that align with their service goals.

In addition, the ECG, in partnership with the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce, annually hosts the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival which raises money for scholarships for Grayslake Central and Grayslake North high school seniors. Each year thousands of dollars are awarded to students through their Youth of the Month program and end of the year scholarship.

This group of individuals, who meets weekly in Grayslake, can also be seen around the Village Center in other capacities. As part of the national Exchange Club program “Give a Kid a Flag to Wave”, the Grayslake members and their families pass out American Flags each year at the Memorial Day parade. They also host the annual Bike and Pet Parade during Summer Days – an over two-decade long standing event that offers fun for kids, pets and their owners! Now catch the parade as part of the full Summer Days parade held each August.

They also have a number of community projects and participate in a National Day of Service held each October in which they help support a non-profit in the area. Past examples include Save a Pet, Avon Township, Keeping Families Covered and more. They participate in the Adopt a Highway as well – with responsibility on Center Street between Route 83 and Route 45.

What makes the Exchange Club Special

“It’s wonderful seeing the large impact that our group has and continues to make. Through really fun events, we’re able to give back to the community in a variety of ways,” says past president, Ann Subry.

Current president Gail Wiel also stated, “This group offers much fellowship. Along with many others, I’ve been able to really establish meaningful relationships with the other members. Volunteering with this group makes everything we do really fun and enjoyable to be a part of.”

Want to learn more?

Like any service group, they are always looking to expand their membership. If you’re passionate about service within the community, and have interest in learning more, the Grayslake Exchange Club would love to welcome you. They meet at First Draft each Thursday at noon. Stop by and join them for a complimentary lunch and see what they are all about.

Scholarship Information

If you have, or know of a student who is hard working and has attained high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement, and leadership, they may be eligible for the Exchange Club of Grayslake’s Youth of the Month award and consideration for the Youth of the Year Award which receives a college scholarship. 12 students (6 from Grayslake Central and 6 from Grayslake North) are awarded Youth of the Month each year. To learn more about that and their A.C.E. Award that recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years, please visit https://www.exchangeofgrayslake.org/scholarships.