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“I have come full circle,” he said during the dinner, adding afterward that “this evening has really warmed my heart. I’m quite emotional about it.”
His eyes are firmly focused on growing the club’s $6 million endowment, as well as its membership base and the overall public understanding of the 100 Club mis- sion. Jackson says all of that is important because of how devastating situations, like the shooting in Dallas which killed five officers, could strain the organization. In the forefront, Jackson notes there are currently 60 children in line for money to attend college in the near future.
“Our support is going to be needed,” Jackson said. “As Joe mentioned, it’s not if, it’s when. So we have to be able to be in a position to be able to do what we’ve done and more. I think this organization is even more important to- day in light of all the things going on.”
While the 100 Club’s past and present, and its legacy of backing from the community, were all featured through- out the dinner, the praise for first responders and their families remained the most pronounced part of the eve- ning.
“It’s emotional when you see the resiliency of these families. It brings you to your knees,” Ahern shared. “They look to us – it’s beyond the money, beyond the education benefits. It’s the fact that there is a huge outpouring of people who are paying respect to them and their loved ones. It’s a powerful thing.” d
Incoming 100 Club Board President Darrell Jackson, whose family became part of the 100 Club in 1969 when his father died on the job.
Helene Wood (left) and daughter Alyssa Baker, spoke to the crowd about becoming part of the 100 Club family after death of Maywood Police O cer Thomas Wood.
Where
Cops Live: NORTHWEST SIDE
52 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2016