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Golden Gala
100 Club of Chicago celebrates 50 years with epic event
n BY DAN CAMPANA
n PHOTOS BY JAMES PINTO
Only 15 years old when her father died in the line of duty in Maywood in 2006, Alyssa Baker and her older brothers contemplated the sacrifices it would take to help their family survive.
Officer Thomas Wood left behind a widow, Helene, and five children including Alyssa. He was the breadwinner for the family which, like many others in the blue collar world, lived paycheck to paycheck. Alyssa and an older brother figured they’d quit their high school activities to get jobs.
None of that became necessary thanks to the 100 Club of Chicago, which immediately provided financial stabili- ty for Helene Wood and committed to giving her children a chance to pursue their dreams by paying for college, and also by being a lifeline that still exists today.
“We didn’t have to cut our childhoods short and we’re grateful for that every day,” Baker told the audience of hundreds who gathered at the 100 Club’s 50th Anniversa- ry Dinner. “Who knows where we would be without the fi- nancial support. Who knows where we would be without the family support. You have done so much for my family and I.”
The 100 Club of Chicago’s Sept. 22 dinner carried a cel- ebratory, yet somber, feel as the organization marked the significant impacts it has made for police officers in Chi- cago, as well as Cook and Lake counties, during its first half century.
Hundreds gathered in the Four Seasons Hotel ballroom to both celebrate the work done by the organization itself, as well as the backing of its supporters. After pausing for Chicago Police Officer Kenyatta Gaines’ beautiful rendi- tion of the National Anthem, attendees were reminded of the 100 Club’s tireless efforts in a video filled with pas- sionate testimonials from board members, club leaders and families who know firsthand the importance of the 100 Club mission.
Chicago Alderman Edward Burke presented Motorola Solutions CEO Greg Brown with the 100 Club Community Excellence Award to honor the company’s lasting com- mitment to police officers and firefighters.
50 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2016
CEO Joe Ahern addresses the audience at the 100 Club of Chicago 50th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Chicago Police O cer Kenyatta Gaines performs “Amazing Grace” as names of fallen o cers were shown on a video screen.
Lodge 7 President Dean Angelo, Sr., and First Vice-President Ray Casiano, Jr., represented Lodge 7 at the 100 Club 50th Anniversary Gala.
Gaines later capped the evening with a moving rendi- tion of “Amazing Grace” as the names of fallen officers and firefighters scrolled on a video screen. The moment served to ensure no one looked past the reason why the 100 Club exists or denied the difficult reality that it will be called upon again to provide comfort and support in a family’s darkest time.
“Sadly, I can guarantee in the not-too-distant future, I’m going to get a call – probably in the middle of the night – and I’m going to rush to some hospital and hold vigil with some family,” 100 Club CEO Joe Ahern offered, noting the club has helped 261 families since its inception. “That’s what’s heartbreaking. I wish I could stop it.”
Still, after six years at the helm, Ahern is undeterred