Page 14 - February 2017

Bruins Foundation and First Responders

Help 100 Club Make a Difference

Families of first responders know all too well the devastation caused when a loved one dies in the line of duty.
At such times, the charity of others becomes invaluable.

The 100 Club of Massachusetts, which provides immeasurable support to families of first responders who have
died in the line of duty, was recently exploring new fundraising options with the Bruins Foundation. From those
conversations, the BFit “First Responder Challenge” was born. The proposed event would entail an obstacle
course inside the TD Garden and the competitors would be comprised of those who serve on the front line of
first response; police, fire, and emergency medical services. The event would serve a dual purpose of raising
awareness around health and wellness and support the 100 Club of Massachusetts.

Trooper John Fanning of the State Police Detective Unit for Norfolk County became aware of the venture and
subsequently had a meeting with former Boston Bruin and current director of The Boston Bruins Foundation,
Bob Sweeney, and their fundraising director, John Whitesides. Trooper Fanning was invited to enter an MSP
team in the event. Immediately recognizing the inherent value, Trooper Fanning jumped in with both feet!

Trooper Fanning put out the call to the Department and 18 MSP troopers and sergeants from all over the state
signed up to participate. Each team member was very excited to get involved and raise money for the 100
Club of Massachusetts, an organization they knew had provided invaluable support to so many first responder
families, including members of the MSP “family”.

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