History

The original idea of the 100 Clubs was launched in 1950 when a concerned citizen in Detroit, Michigan decided to do something to help the expectant wife of a young police officer killed in the line of duty. This citizen, William Packer, wrote to 100 of his friends asking them to donate funds for the family, thus, the name of the club. In 1952 that club was incorporated as the first “Hundred Club”. There are now more than 100 active clubs throughout the nation. These include several other clubs in the Bay Area. Some of the larger clubs may represent an entire state and have over 20,000 members while smaller clubs may have several hundred members.

Club History

In 1984, then Contra Costa County Sheriff, Richard Rainey wanted to have a Hundred Club in the county. Donald Schliesser stepped in and formed The One Hundred Club of Contra Costa County. Attending the strategy meeting in Walnut Creek were Ken Behring, Ken Hoffmann, Joe Vrankovich, Lee Shaklee, Bob Thayer, Gerry Fitzpatrick, Don Schliesser, and Sheriff Rainey. Each decided to fund the One Hundred Club by donating $1,000 and ask friends and acquaintances to join and donate as well. Many people stepped forward with Lifetime Memberships, while others did work or provided expertise at no cost. What started as a handful of members has evolved into a membership that has been from 750 to 800 in the last several years.

What We Do

The One Hundred Club gives $30,000 to the surviving spouse within 48 hours after the death. The money is intended to help the families who will suffer a delay before the death benefits can be initiated and paid. Longer term, the Club helps the surviving children with scholarships and assistance when appropriate. With the vision of a handful of community and business leaders, we have supported, and continue to support several surviving spouses and children of police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Currently, we have three beneficiaries: Maddy has started her third year at Chico State to become a nurse, Cody has started his second year at Santa Cruz University majoring in Economics and Emma has started her first year at California State University San Marcos majoring in Business Administration. It is our honor to help them succeed.