Community

In November 2024, the Grayslake Heritage Center Foundation hosted a very special event as part of their Bubbles and Brews series. Our very own Churchill Family was honored as the recipient of their 2024 History Maker Award. As part of the Grayslake community for more than 100 years, the family’s impact on our village is vast and long-lasting.

  On April 13, 2023, attorney Amber Desselles was a key speaker at this helpful free event for families of the CCSD 46 community. Amber has a strong background in estate law and was able to provide the attendees with important legal advice, including an overview of the essential elements of a good estate plan, and suggestions on how to get started. We are proud of the work Amber has done to benefit our local community and are fortunate to have her as a valuable member of the Churchill, Quinn, Hamilton & Van Donselaar, Ltd team.    

Craft beer lovers enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with the return of the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival, which took place on September 18, 2021. The festival grounds are located at 61 S. Whitney Street in Downtown Grayslake, at the doorstep to our firm. Once again, Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton, Ltd. was a proud sponsor of this annual Grayslake Chamber event. Long-time lovers of craft beer and curious newbies found new favorites by sampling over 150 varieties from over 65 breweries, covering a wide range of brewing styles.

Grayslake area golf enthusiasts enjoyed the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce's 51st annual Golf Outing, and Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton, Ltd was a proud sponsor. Some shot like a pro and some needed some help, but everyone came out and enjoyed this fun full-day event. It was a great day in the outdoors at a beautiful club!

Event Details:

The Grayslake Chamber Golf Outing was once again held at Stonewall Orchard Golf Club, a magnificent 18-hole course designed by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills. It features rolling hills, wetlands and wildlife, thousands of mature pine and oak trees, and a variety of challenging holes throughout the game.

All of us at CQRH welcomed the return of Grayslake's Summer Days right outside our office doors!  This year's festival also celebrated the Village's delayed 125th birthday, aka "Celebrate Grayslake 125+1."  We'd be remiss not to mention that our own Mark Van Donselaar chowed his way to second place in the First Annual Pie-Eating Contest. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

CQRH was pleased to sponsor the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce 5k Family Fun Run on July 10, 2021.  Open to runners, walkers, and wheelchairs, this awesome event started and ended right outside our office with the kids' race starting at 7:30 am, and the adults taking off at 8:00 am.  After cancellation in 2020, participants enjoyed a gorgeous morning to celebrate the 2021 return of this annual event. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

The Grayslake Chamber of Commerce presented their Arts Festival and Wine Tasting on June 19, 2021.  As in prior years, CQRH was more than happy to serve as a Gold Sponsor in supporting this annual event kicking off the summer festival season in our lovely village.  Patrons were able to view and purchase artwork from over 30 local artists while enjoying a variety of local wines. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

Spotted on the streets of Grayslake:  our own Donna Bogosh and Bob Churchill having a blast at the West African Drum Circle event sponsored by the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum.  Back by popular demand, Medusa's Musical Mysteries performed for the crowds and invited patrons to participate in jamming to the beat. Website:  http://www.villageofgrayslake.com/385/Heritage-Center Website:  http://www.medusadrums.com/

It's not always easy to find a great activity that the whole family can enjoy together, and that's just one of the fantastic qualities of this annual event hosted by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce.  CQRH proudly sponsors this event so people of all ages and athletic abilities can participate in a day of healthy togetherness.  Runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchair athletes are encouraged to participate in this race though historic Grayslake.  Kids aged 5-8 not up for the distance of the 5k were treated to a special Kids Fun Run (two blocks).  As always, proceeds from the 5k go to the Grayslake Chamber Scholarship Fund, which annually provides scholarships to seniors who will be attending a two or four year college/university.  The key organizer of this Chamber event is Mark Hamilton, one of our partners, and kudos to our own Lisa Wisowaty for finishing second in her age group! Website: grayslakechamber.com

The Grayslake Community Park District, along with the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Grayslake, held their annual Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks on June 29, 2019.  CQRH is a proud sponsor of this event, as we believe in creating a strong community and recognize the value of community involvement.  The always-fun family festival offered amazing live music, local food and beverage vendors, a variety of kids' activities and rides, and wrapped up with a fantastic fireworks display at dusk. Website:  glpd.com

The Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 24th Annual Grayslake Arts Festival & Wine Tasting on June 22, 2019.  Visitors perused the art on display from over 60 juried artists and also enjoyed the event's wine tasting portion, whose theme was "Wines Around the World."  CQRH was pleased to sponsor this day of fun, which included food vendors, a variety of entertainment throughout the day, children's activities, and a student art exhibit. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

Craft beer lovers converged outside our building on June 1st, 2019 for the  Seventh Annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival.  With over 150 choices offered from more than 65 breweries, participants spent the afternoon sampling and comparing some of the best varieties of craft beer out there.  CQRH is proud to continue its sponsorship of this event, as all net proceeds go toward the Grayslake Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than $50,000 each year to deserving students chosen by the Exchange Club of Grayslake and the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce. Website: grayslakebeerfest.com

Bob Churchill was honored to present the history of our firm and of the Churchill family to the Grayslake Historical Society on May 8^th, 2019.  He recounted the settling of his ancestors in Lake County after the Civil War and subsequent generations of Churchills who started the firm and contributed to the development of Grayslake, Lake County, and the state of Illinois through public service.

CQRH is pleased to sponsor Grayslake Youth Baseball! John W. Quinn was honored with the ceremonial first pitch at a game on May 4, 2019. (We think he shouldn’t give up his day job here at the office.)

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton was pleased to host an after-hours Chamber Mixer at 129 Center Cut in Grayslake.  This fun social event brought together members of both the Grayslake and Round Lake Chambers of Commerce for an enjoyable evening of networking and delicious food and drink. Websites:  grayslakechamber.com, rlchamber.org, 129centercut.com

The Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented Grayslake's Summer Days 2017 on August 18th-19th in downtown Grayslake at Center and Whitney Streets.  The family music festival offered activities for the entire family including carnival rides, a bags tournament, food vendors, bingo and more.  The festival also featured a Bike and Pet Parade on Saturday afternoon, as well as the annual Summer Days Parade on Saturday evening. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

Runners, walkers, strollers and wheelchair athletes of all ages and abilities were encouraged to participate in the 26th Annual Grayslake Chamber of Commerce 5k Race and Fun Run thru historic Grayslake.  Our own Mark Hamilton emceed the awards ceremony on the plaza. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

Held right in front of our offices on Whitney Street, the 22nd Annual Grayslake Arts Festival presented masterpieces of both new and familiar artists and offered wine tasting from wineries around the world.  The sunshine offered fantastic viewing of magnificent pieces for patrons to enjoy and purchase.  Over 25 artist tents were set up, and the crowd enjoyed a variety of food, live music, dance performances and children's activities.  As with the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival, funds raised from the event are earmarked for scholarships awarded to students from both high schools in Grayslake. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

The 5th Annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival continued its tradition of celebrating the art of brewing while raising funds for college scholarships.  Over 250 brews were served from more than 80 breweries while multiple bands played live music all afternoon at several stages.  As always, CQR&H is happy to participate in this local merrymaking. Website: grayslakebeerfest.com  

In 2016, Grayslake became the state's first dementia-friendly community under a resolution passed by the Village Board.  Advocates aim to keep people with dementia active in their communities and provide education for emergency personnel, business leaders, and community members on interacting with people with dementia. Grayslake's first responders and library staff were trained in 2016, and CQR&H personnel had the same opportunity on March 20th, 2017.  Representatives from several local organizations provided helpful guidelines for communication where dementia is a factor.  In recognition of this training, CQR&H earned the Dementia Friendly Community Purple Angel and will commit to supporting Grayslake's initiative to be a community where people with dementia are valued, respected and welcomed.

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton was pleased to sponsor the inaugural Cancer Schmancer 5k on October 1st, 2016.  Held at the Rollins Savanna in Grayslake, this event was conducted by the Marti Leider Foundation, which strives to assist those living with colon cancer and their families by fundraising for scholarships for affected children, research for a cure, and donations to hospice care centers.  This event raised just under $6,000, far exceeding expectations for their first 5k!  Website:  martileiderfoundation.org

There was plenty of outdoor fun on tap at Grayslake Summer Days on August 19-20th.  Participants enjoyed carnival games, food booths, bingo, a variety of bands, a pet and bike parade, children's entertainment, go-kart races, and a bags tournament prior to the always impressive Summer Days Parade.

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton sponsored the 25th Annual Grayslake 5k Run and Walk on July 16th, 2016. The Grayslake Chamber of Commerce puts in a fantastic effort every year to carry out this fun tradition. As usual, Mark Hamilton and his Chamber cohorts logged many hours behind the scenes in preparation, and Mother Nature was exceedingly kind in providing a gorgeous day for the event in the heart of downtown Grayslake.

The annual Grayslake Arts Festival is sponsored by the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and offers attendees the opportunity to view and purchase amazing local artwork while enjoying great food, kids’ activities and live entertainment. Website:  grayslakechamber.com

Churchill, Quinn, Richtman & Hamilton was proud to sponsor the 4^th Annual Grayslake Craft Beer Festival on June 4^th, 2016.  Rain was no deterrent to the 2,600 thirsty patrons, and the sunshine eventually broke thru to warm the crowds.   Website:  grayslakebeerfest.com

The Grayslake Farmers Market pops up right outside our doors each week!  Fall and spring markets are held on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm, while summer markets offer great food, music and activities on Wednesday afternoons.   Website:  grayslakefarmersmarket.com

Partner Mark Van Donselaar recently organized a plant sale for his son’s local elementary school.  On May 6th, 2016, Meadowview Elementary School in Grayslake held its 7th Annual Plant Sale to support the school’s PTO.  Mark, an avid gardener, chaired the event which raised over $1,500 for the school.   The firm also was pleased to donate a bike for Meadowview’s recent Funfest fundraiser.