The Rotary Club of Joliet has announced that the Imagination Library of Will County has been selected as the recipient of $50,000 from the proceeds of its 2024 Annual Raffle, marking a major milestone in expanding early childhood literacy across the region.

The funding will directly support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by delivering free, high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth to age five.

This year, the club received 15 applications for raffle funding. After a thorough review process, three finalists were invited to present to the membership, with the final recipient selected by vote—demonstrating the club’s commitment to thoughtful, community-driven impact.

“We are thrilled to support such a meaningful program that has a direct and lasting impact on early childhood development in our community,” said Club President Diane Cepela.

The Imagination Library currently serves approximately 39,000 children across Will County, providing personalized books delivered directly to their homes. The initiative was brought to the area through a partnership between the Will County Executive’s Office, the Will County Center for Economic Development, and the Dollywood Foundation.

“We are more than grateful for this significant donation,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “This meaningful project helps bring essential literacy opportunities to children throughout Will County, and partnerships like this allow us to expand awareness and reach more families.”

Since its founding in 1984, the Rotary Club of Joliet’s annual raffle has generated more than $1 million in support for local nonprofits. This year’s investment in the Imagination Library reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through education and supports Basic Education and Literacy—one of Rotary’s core Areas of Focus.