The Siren The 100 Club of Chicago
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Winter 2013
Board of Directors Officers Thomas J. Cashman, Chairman
James J. O’Connor, President
Ralph B. Mandell, Executive VP
Denis J. Healy, Vice President
Liz Livingston Howard, Secretary
Ralph B. Mandell, Treasurer
Board of Directors Jeffrey Bergren
Hon. Edward M. Burke
Leonard Cerullo, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Steve Ginsburg
Robert Graham
Wally Hayward
John Idler
Darrell B. Jackson
Jay Javors
Bennett E. Kaplan
Karin Lijana Matura
Peter D. McDonald
Michael J. Meagher
Richard Melman
Joshua A. Mintzer
William J. O’Connell
Fred J. O’Connor
Walter JH O’Neill, Ed.D.
Dennis Pedrelli
James V. Riley
Larry R. Rogers, Jr.
John C. Sciaccotta
Steve Stratton
Karen P. Tandy
Glenn F. Tilton
Daniel G. Watts
Julie E. Vander Weele
Edward S. Weil, Jr.
Lawrence J. Wert
Chief Executive Officer
Joe Ahern Chief Operating Officer
Heather Sattler
Manager of Financial &
Education Administration
Molly Pyne
Executive Administrator
Kylie Weller
Chairman Emeritus
Ralph G. Scheu
Families We would like to extend our warmest wishes for
a safe and prosperous 2013 for you and yours.
This is a perfect time to reflect on family, and
here at the 100 Club we enjoy the trials and trib-
ulations of being a part of several families.
First and foremost, we have our most important
family that consists of those who have lost a
loved one in the line of duty. We remember two
of these families who have experienced a tragedy
in November. Captain Herbie Johnson, who was
killed while fighting a fire in Gage Park, is
survived by his wife Susan and his 3 children.
Firefighter Walter Patmon, who died shortly
after returning from a fire, is survived by his
wife Diane and three daughters.
As painful as their inclusion in this greater
family is, we are inspired by the overall spirit of
those whom we have helped. It is one of
strength, resilience and a desire to give back.
A perfect example of this spirit is the Vincent Family. Larry J. Vincent
lost his life in the line of duty 30 years ago. After confronting an
individual in the process of a home invasion, Officer Vincent was
struck and killed by a stray bullet fired at the suspect while he
attempted to flee.
Larry’s wife Marilyn and their three sons, Jay, Tony and Don, have
thrived despite their hardship. They attribute some of this to the
financial, educational and moral support they received from the 100
Club, and they want to pay it forward. Read about the newly launched
Larry J. Vincent Memorial Fund on page 8.
Then we have our family of supporters who share the common bond
of wanting to give back to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice
keeping all of us safe. We can’t thank them enough for dedicating
their time, talent, and treasure year after year.
Finally, we have the family that consists of many corporations,
businesses, foundations, unions and organizations like the Gold Badge
Society. We are proud to work together in good times and bad.
Captain Herbert
"Herbie" Johnson
Walter "Walkie"
Patmon
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Mission The 100 Club of Chicago is the civilian organization that provides for the families of police officers,
firefighters and paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Club helps families ease
the financial burden associated with the tragic event, including immediate financial assistance and
the ongoing cost of higher education. All federal, state, county and local police officers, firefighters
and paramedics stationed in Cook County are included.
From the Executive Director We're kicking off 2013 with an invigorated management team, Executive Board, Board of Directors
and membership. We accomplished much in 2012: record growth in memberships and
important new Corporate, University and Foundation partnerships. We also held a number of
successful inaugural events and initiatives with the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look For Charity,
Secret Service Golf Outing and a young membership drive at Paris Club.
Most importantly, our mission throughout has always been and continues to be serving the families
of the courageous police officers, firefighters, paramedics and state and federal law enforcement
officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting us.
With the tragic losses last year of Corrections Officer Nikki Bostic-Jones, Captain Herbie Johnson
and Walter Patmon, I'm reminded how important the 100 Club is in providing support to their loved
ones. With that in mind, I hope you'll join me in redoubling your efforts this new year by encouraging
your friends, family members and colleagues to join
the 100 Club and support our cause.
On behalf of all the families we serve, I can't thank
you enough for your past and future support.
President’s Corner
I have been a proud member of the 100 Club of
Chicago since 1969. Within two years of joining
the Club, I was nominated to the Board of
Directors. During the 41 years I’ve served as
a leader of the 100 Club I have seen the
profound impact our community of supporters
has had on deserving families. Now, as the organization’s newest President, I am indeed looking
forward to continuing the momentum the organization has achieved.
Among the many efforts the staff and board undertake to fulfill our mission, I am highlighting two
goals for the next few months. First, we are focused on gathering a critical mass of twelve
corporate and foundation sponsors that will provide sustainability for our ongoing programs.
Second, we are dedicated to expanding the scope of our support for 100 Club families including
more options for educational assistance, new program offerings for younger children and an
enhanced support structure to help widows and widowers obtain advice and guidance in the areas
of finance, health, insurance, counseling, legal and education.
Thank you to each of you who help us build momentum to make a difference in the lives of the
families of the fallen.
President James J. O’Connor, Chairman Tom
Cashman and Chief Executive Officer Joe Ahern
(From Left to Right)
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New Members (October – December 2012)
New Partners
Lawrence Adamczyk
Meredith L. Ahern
Voltaire Alanguilan
Daniel Alvarez
Scott Ando
Mark Andrade
Robert J. Arens
Sally Armbruster
Ben Armstrong
Carol Armstrong
Robert Arnoldt
Marc W. Augustine
Steve Baer
Gerald Barry
Robert B.Batlivala
Carole G. Batlivala
Brian Beck
Mark Beckwith
Natalie Belmonte
Karen Bergren
Robert L. Berman
Adam K. Berman
Dani Berman
David Bernicky
Elizabeth Leeb Berry
Matthew Berry
Stephanie Biegel
Thomas Bierwirth
Lena Blitstein
Jennifer Bosley
Aviva Bowen
Tom Bowen
Erin Bradbury
Thomas Breakey
Maureen Bresnahan
Patrick Brown
Jelena Buljubasic
Lauren Buxbaum
Robert Byrnes
Jose L. Calvillo
Anthony Campagni
Peter Canovas
Joseph Capra
Jan Carlson
Andrew Carlson
Romy Carr
John D. Carroll
Donald E. Casey
Shawn Casey
Duncan Charles
Jean Chidley
Margaret Chodl
Richard Clemens
Mallory Cohen
Hugh Connell
Janet L. Contursi
Timothy J. Cronin
William Goldstein
Anne Goldstein
Jimmy Goodman
Joe Gotfryd
Arny Granat
Rachel Greenspan
Marc Greenwood
Alexander Grinfeld
Nicole Grubb
Joseph Guarascio
John C. Hansen
Bradford Hartley
GeorgeA. Harty
Evan Harwood
Dan Hardt
Jill Heady
Jacqui Hehn
John Heider
Taurean Egan Hen-
deson
Jordan Hergott
David G. Herro
Adam S. Hitchcock
Joel Hochman
Janet Hochman
Michael J. Houlihan
Charles Hounihan
De Huang
John H. Idler
Michael Imparato
Louise Ito
Tom Iwaniec
Nick Janning
John F. Janozik
Jeffrey A. Janusch
Patrick Jessee
Rob Jezyk
Kevin Johnson
LeRoy Jones
Nahraine Jonie
Katie Kaminsky
Elaine Karlson
Keith Karlson
Anthony J. Kasper
Gary Katler
Jordan Kaufman
Reyahd Kazmi
Brian Kehoe
Ian Keiser
Ross Keiser
Darlene Kelly
Joseph T. Kelly
Richard Kelly
Erin Kelly
Martin Kenar
Thomas Kiernan
John Kim
Kelly Kraft
Hannah Kralovec
Joshua Kritzler
Rachael Larsen
Eric Larson
Roseann LeFevour
Conor LeFevour
Amalia T. Lemar
Nichole Leon
Greg Liautaud
Stephen Little
April Lofton
Angelo Loumbas
Elaine Zacarakis
Loumbas
Jeff Lowe
Molly Lowe
Neil Lubomski
Andrea Lucca
Daniel Lucca
Samantha Lurie
Jeff Lyle
James D. Lyons
Sarah Mages
Patrick J. Mahoney
Martin Margolis
Suzanne Margolis
Jaime Marisco
Jennifer Martellotti
Jessica Martin
John J. Martinez
Manny Martinez
Florence Martinez
John J. Martinez
Jim Mason
Janée Matteson
David Matuszak
Beth May
David May
Anne McCarthy
John McClorey
Stephen P. McGinnis
Michael McGreevy
Patrick J. McGuinness
Patricia McKee
William McKee
Lester McKeever
Nancy McKeever
Michael McLaughlin
Terrance McMahon
Mary B. McMahon
Joellyn M. McMeel
RJ Melman
Irene Michaels
Todd Mikell
Mike Milkovich
Claudette Miller
Nicole Mourillon
William Murphy
James Neary
James B. Nicholson
Tim O'Brien
Kate O'Brien
Matthew Obuchowski
Dan O'Connor
Sargon Odisho
William F. O'Hara
Erin Mackey O'Keefe
Steve O'Malley
Walter J. H. O'Neill
John P. O'Neill
James I. Oraha
Danielle Owen
Dorothy Pachuta
Ronald Palmer
James M. Paoletti
Kate Parks
Keller Paul
Kenneth Pedersen
Nancy Pedrelli
Doug Pelletier
Sean Peloza
Timothy Pender
Floyd Perkins
Linda Perkins
R. Douglas Petrie
Elizabeth Petrik
James Pienta
Oliver Plotkin
Jarad Plummer
Branislav
Podrumedzic
Edward Poppish
MacKenzie Porter
Patrick Pountney
Patricia Ptacek
Dan Pyne
John Pyne
Mary (Molly) Pyne
Frank Quinn
Donald G. Ranos
Edward Reagan
Kim Reed
Brendan Reedy
Eric Rempel
Anthony Richko
Rebeka Risteska
Abel Rivera
Liliana Roche
Collin Roche
Mauricio Rodriguez
Paul Roehri
Tom Rogala
Alanna Rogers
Kari M. Rollins
Paul Rosenfeld
Paul Roszkowsky
Michael Ruemmler
Claire Ruscitti
Christopher Salus
Scott R. Samlan
CarinaE. Sanchez
Adriane Sandberg
Rita A. Sattler
Heather Sattler
William Sattler
William F. Sattler
Dean F. Schilling
Steven Schira
Tory Schira
Stephen Schwartz
Tom Scully
Daniel Sedory
Inessa Shafran
Amy Shanker
Robert Shannon
Amy Shannon
Michael Shannon
Jennifer Sheehan
Elaine Shemroske
Jeffrey Shepard
Brian Sheppard
Caitlin Shields
Mac Shields
Brendan Shiller
Roisin Shine
DanielK. Shine
Dan Shomon
Amy E. Sider
David Simon
JessicaSmith
Michael Smith
Tae Won Smith
Robert Smith
David Szymczyk
Justin Solomon
Alisyn Spitz
Daniel Spitz
Steven Spreitzer
Kent Stallard
Joseph Stefansko
Steven Stelter
Mark H. Stern
Nadine Stevoff
Donald Storino
Jessica A. Streit
Fallon Striedl
Linda Sturman
Michael Sturman
Theodore Sullivan
Matthew Sullivan
Arthur Susman
Julie Anne Syperek
Eric Szwed
Samantha Tabas
Richard Ternes
David Terry
Glenn F. Tilton
Courtney Todd
Jerry Vainisi
Anna Valencia
Mark Vanecko
Kristan Venlos
Michael Volz
Michael J. Walsh
Katie Walsh
Michael Walters
Daniel G. Watts
Zack Weiner
Emily M. Weiser
Susan Welter
Amy Wettersten
Victor Wilson
Peter Wolohan
David Woods
Katina Yoakum
Emily Zator
Carol Zigulich
Ashley Zisook
Zachary Zisook
Joey Zuzich
Thank You For Your Support!
Caroline Beak Crown
Keating Crown
Myles P. Cunningham
Brian Daly
Greg Daniele
John A. Darge
David Daugherty
Lou DeFalco
Maurice Demus
William Deody
Sascha Dhanjal
Clay Diette
Antonio P. DiPaolo
Bob Dodovich
John A. Doerrer
Don Don
Joseph W. Donovan
William Doody
Daniel P. Dorman
Michael Dudak
Charles Duncan
David Eigenberg
Chrysti Eigenberg
Louie Eigenberg
Julia M. Ellis
Ryan Enright
Christina Enright
Robert L. Ertl
Nicholas Farnesi
Michael Faulman
Vanessa Felice
Alexander Filin
Brian Finn
Timothy Finnegan
Caitlin K. Finnegan
Emmett Finnegan
Leta Finno
John Fitzpatrick
James P. Flannery
Lisa O'Brien Flisk
Margaret (Meg) Flisk
Michael Flisk
Mike Flisk
Nora Flisk
Stephen X. Foley
Jay Franke
Ronald Galowich
Cesar Garcia
Kevin Georges
Becky Gillispie
Steve Ginsburg
Mike Ginter
Diane Gleason
Michael Glicken
Brian Goetsch
John Patrick Goggin
Sandra Goggin
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Past Events
Chicago’s Finest Event
Herbie Johnson Memorial Hockey Game
The St. Rita High School Varsity team hosted a Pass the Boot
fundraiser for Captain Herbie Johnson on December 13th. They
dedicated all admission ticket and raffle ticket proceeds from their
game against St. Ignatius College Prep as a memorial gift to the
Johnson family. The Johnson family generously requested that all
proceeds be given to the 100 Club of Chicago.
100 Club scholars LaVar Merrell, Alyssa Baker, Peg Flisk and
Brian Flisk (red shirts– pictured left to right) volunteered at the
event and cheered St. Rita on to victory. Keep an eye out for an upcoming PSA filmed at the event.
On November 15, 2012 the 100 Club introduced Chicago’s Finest, an exclusive membership event
for new young members. It took place at Studio Paris, a prominent venue operated by Lettuce
Entertain You, in the heart of downtown Chicago. The evening was an outstanding opportunity for
the 100 Club to expose a group of young men and women to our mission who might otherwise have
been unaware of our organization. The night featured
speeches from Joe Ahern, Board Member Josh Mintzer
and Peg Flisk, daughter of fallen Chicago Police
Officer Michael Flisk. Several television stations sent
crews to cover the night’s festivities. We were also
fortunate to have several stars of the new hit NBC
series Chicago Fire in attendance. We had an
outstanding turnout that resulted in 250 new
members and proceeds of $39,000. A special thanks
to Chicago Fire Department Deputy Fire Commissioner
John McNicholas, Dan Nash and Greg Reynolds for
providing the vintage squad car and fire apparatus that
helped create a powerful entrance and set the tone for
the entire evening and a special thanks to RJ, Jerrod and Rich Melman of Lettuce Entertain You.
Valor Awards For the 32nd
straight year the 100 Club presented some
of Cook County’s bravest men and women with the
prestigious Valor Award, the only civilian honor
permitted to be worn on the uniforms of Cook County
first responders. This year’s winners were Lt. Michael
Copeland and Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Prieto of
the Des Plaines Fire Department, Firefighter/Paramedic
Sergio A. Moreno and Paramedic in Charge John J.
Wodzisz of the Chicago Fire Department, Officers
Del W. Pearson and Kirsten Lund as well as Sergeant
Christopher Kapaa of the Chicago Police Department
and Officer Edward Weissgerber of the Brookfield
Police Department.
CEO Joe Ahern speaks in front of an audience
during the Chicago’s Finest event
Officer Edward Weissgerber receiving his Valor
Award at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza
End of watch Anniversaries
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10 Years 02/17/2003 P.O. Eric DeWit – Matteson Police Department
03/16/2003 Sgt. Philip J. O’Reilly – Chicago Police Department
30 Years 01/14/1983 P.O. Larry J. Vincent – Chicago Police Department
40 Years 01/06/1973 F.F. Richard E. Kowalzyk – Chicago Fire Department
01/06/1973 F.F. Timothy W. Moran – Chicago Fire Department
01/06/1973 F.F. Alfred E. Stach – Chicago Fire Department
01/19/1973 P.O. Robert F. Wenzel – Chicago Police Department
01/24/1973 Sgt. Michael F. Maguire – Chicago Police Department
02/23/1973 Volunteer F.F. Warren H. Ahlgrim – Palatine Fire Department
02/23/1973 Volunteer F.F. Richard H. Freeman – Palatine Fire Department
02/23/1973 Volunteer F.F. John T. Wilson – Palatine Fire Department
03/17/1973 Lt. Thomas J. Nolan – Chicago Fire Department
03/29/1973 P.O. Wendell Hicks – Chicago Police Department
Fallen Heroes of our Families
We were very pleased to have several media outlets come to our Chicago’s
Finest event. It was an amazing night that was only made better by their presence.
One outstanding piece came from WMAQ, who caught Jesse Spencer presenting
Joe Ahern with a check on behalf of the NBC show Chicago Fire.
In the News
Also receiving a large amount of media coverage was our recent presentation of
the Valor Awards on November 8th at The Holiday Inn Mart Plaza. WBBM
Chicago was one of the stations on hand to catch the entire evening’s events,
and to recap it for viewers.
Following the passing of Chicago Firefighter Walter Patmon, Jr. on
November 14th, The Beverly Review featured an article about the fallen
firefighter. They also featured a separate article about the 100 Club and the role that our organization
plays in the event of a line of duty death, including what resources are made available for families
like the Patmons. (To Read Article Click Logo Above)
Recent Line of Duty Deaths
Valor Awards
Chicago’s Finest
Robert H. Asher
Ralph A. L. Bogan, Jr.
Hon. Anne M. Burke
Russell H. Ewert
Peter A. Fasseas
James E. Gorman
Sheldon F. Good
Martin E. Janis
Jeanne Randall Malkin
Thomas F. Meagher, Sr.
B. Michael Pallasch
Elizabeth M. Rochford
Robert Sheridan
William P. Sullivan
Senior Directors Our Loyal Leaders
The 100 Club of Chicago is fortunate to have
a group of experienced leaders on our Senior
Board. These men and women have served
multiple terms on our governing board and
continue to actively support our mission with
their guidance, talents and resources.
Click the Logo
above to see coverage
Click the Logo
above to see coverage
Fire
During the wintertime it is easy to forget about all the vents such as dryer and heater vents located
around the exterior of your home. Check these vents regularly to ensure that they are clear. If they
become clogged with snow and ice they could cause your home to fill with deadly carbon monoxide,
a clear and odorless gas.
EMS One of the most common causes of injury during the wintertime comes as a result of a slip or fall on
icy sidewalks, driveways and roads. If you look out your window in the morning and things look a
bit iced over here’s a tips to help keep yourself safe: Wear boots instead of shoes for better traction.
Avoid walking quickly and try to keep one foot on the ground at all times. If you do slip, tuck your
arms and head together, preventing injuries to your head and wrists. .
Law Enforcement Now that winter is in full swing, it is important to remember that we need to adjust our driving habits
for the changing conditions. We would like to remind you to slow down when the conditions get bad.
We would also like to remind you that you should travel with an emergency kit should you get stuck
or stranded on the road. Kits should include items such as jumper cables, windshield wiper fluid,
blankets, reflectors, non-perishable food, bottled water, ice scraper, first aid kit, traction materials and
a small digging tool. .
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Safety Tips from your friends in Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement
Letter from Commissioner Jose Santiago I would like to thank the 100 Club and especially CEO Joe Ahern, for this opportunity to write a few
words for the Siren.
The Chicago Fire Department is proud to be a part of the new fundraising and recruitment effort of the
100 Club of Chicago, and we will do all we can to spread the word on the efforts and programs of this
fine organization. We are opening our firehouses for team visits to let our members know how the 100
Club is dedicated to looking after their families, in the event the unthinkable happens.
Of course we never want to think about Line of Duty deaths, but we know this is a dangerous job. But
thanks to the 100 Club of Chicago, the families are assisted socially and financially in the short and
long term, especially with the educational needs of the children. The recent line of duty deaths of both
Captain Herbert "Herbie" Johnson and Firefighter Walter "Walkie" Patmon show that commitment,
with the 100 Club being at the family's side just hours after these tragic events occurred.
I would also like to salute the Gold Shield and the
University partners who together assist in keeping the
100 Club as a viable organization, by providing financial
and educational assistance that is so much needed by
those who are left behind. On behalf of the 5000
paramedics and firefighters of the Chicago Fire
Department, I say thank you for all you do, and we stand
ready to do all we can to support your efforts to keep
our families moving forward in time of loss.
Chicago Fire Commissioner Santiago
with 100 Club CEO Joe Ahern
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Spotlight On
Board Member: Richard Melman has served on the board since 2004. He has brought the
organization a long way with his generosity and his expertise in marketing
and event planning. Most recently, Mr. Melman arranged for the use of
Studio Paris and surprised the 100 Club with a very generous cash
donation. Mr. Melman – and his sons – are clearly a force behind our
tremendous success last year.
Supporter: Motorola Solutions and The Motorola Solutions Foundation have partnered
with the 100 Club since 2011. This is beyond the work they do to provide
top-notch technology to first responders. As active Gold Shield Partners,
they have provided leadership on our board and programming service
committee, as well as significant financial investments. Their Patron level
Support at the Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity event is just one
example of their generous support.
Scholar: Brian Flisk, youngest son of fallen Chicago Police Officer Michael Flisk, is
currently in his sophomore year at St. Ambrose University in Davenport,
Iowa. He works for campus recreation, serves on the discipline board and is
President of the Rugby Club. He has also taken an active role with the 100
Club. Keep up the good work, Brian, staying so active while maintaining a
stellar GPA!
Member: Darrin Bourret has been a Police Officer with the Chicago Police Department
for 13 years and a 100 Club member for five. Darrin was selected for his
work to recruit fellow CPD members to join the 100 Club. He says, "The
work that goes towards bringing members into the 100 Club of Chicago is not
a burdensome task. I truly believe in this organization and what it stands for
and I hope that others will feel as passionately about it as I do, and show their
support by becoming a member."
Family: When Officer John C. Knight was killed during a traffic stop he left behind
his wife Joan and three young children. Fourteen years later his children are
all thriving university students. Matthew is studying Law and Society at
Purdue University while also serving as his fraternity Philanthropy Chair.
Brian is studying Criminology and playing football at Butler University.
Lauren is interested in psychology and just began her first year at Illinois
State University. Their hard work and academic pursuits exemplify the
resilience of a 100 Club Family.
Membership Levels
Active and Retired
Law Enforcement,
Firefighters and EMS
$50
100 Club Scholars and Alumni -$50
Individual Membership - $200
Joint Membership - $300
Family Membership - $500
Lifetime Membership - $2,500
Joint Lifetime Membership - $3,500
Corporate Membership
$1,000 to $25,000
The Larry J. Vincent Scholars Project, provides a 100 Club Scholar with four years of mentorship
from a member of the Vincent Family and a financial stipend of up to $2,500 annually for text
books. While the stipend will offer financial support, the mentorship piece will give scholars an
opportunity to spend time with someone who has been through a similar experience.
The Vincent family includes three sons, all of whom received educational assistance through the
100 Club, and all of whom are successful young professionals and citizens. In gratitude for the
support they received during tough times, they are eager to give back and can easily relate to the
scholars’ experiences, provide guidance and be a shoulder to lean on.
If you would like to contribute to the Larry J. Vincent Memorial Fund please visit
www.100clubchicago.org/vincent
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www.100clubchicago.org (312)992-0215 [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/100clubofchicago
100 Club of Chicago 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1162 Chicago, IL 60603
At the end of 2012, we had 1,430 members in good
standing, which was a 54% increase from 6 months
earlier. Our goal for 2013 is to reach 2200 members,
and we need your help.
Help us keep our momentum of growth by asking
your friends, family members, colleagues and
neighbors to become a member. Whoever recruits
the most members will receive a limited edition
100 Club jacket.
You can find membership details at
www.100clubchicago.org/join-the-100-club/.
Members in good standing are eligible, excluding
staff and directors. Be sure to have your recruits write
your name under ''How did you find out about the 100 Club?''
. All applications between 1/30/2013 and 3/31/2013 will be considered.
Call to Action
Be a Member, Get a Member
THE LARRY J. VINCENT Memorial Fund and Scholars Project