WHO WE ARE

Detroit has the distinction of being the first of more than 125 cities to have a Hundred Club. It was founded in 1952 following the fatal shooting of a young police officer. That tragic death inspired businessman William M. Packer to write to 100 friends encouraging them to donate to a fund for the fallen officer. The response was 100%. Packer and friends then incorporated the Club to aid future families when tragedy falls.

Businessmen and brothers Bob and Dick Jacob were members of that first club when living in Detroit. They knew its value firsthand, and after moving to Dayton, were inspired to begin Dayton’s own Club. In early January of 1969, six men came together to incorporate the Hundred Club of Dayton. They were Frank G. Anger, Robert J. Barth, Robert B. Crew, Robert B. Jacob who served as chair, Robert S. Margolis and John F. Torley. When it was time to seek members for this new organization, Bob Jacob went about selecting the top people in the City, an honor role of the private and public sectors. Of the original invitation list, not a single person declined and by the end of 1969, there were 102 members.

Today’s Hundred Club members and Trustees continue the legacy of the Jacob brothers impacting the lives and families of our first responders who put their lives on the line every day for our community.

WHAT WE DO

The Hundred Club is a membership-based organization, and is a supporting organization of The Dayton Foundation. Through annual dues and invested assets, it financially assists the families of first responders when seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. The financial aid is given not as charity to the families, but in appreciation for those who have risked their lives protecting others. Over time The Hundred Club support has spread beyond a “household” check for a grieving family. Today it includes scholarships as well as Awards of Merit for those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in life saving efforts or acts of unusual bravery.

The Hundred Club exists in the hearts and minds of more than 150 of Dayton’s most committed citizens. Neither they nor the Club seek or want publicity. The Hundred Club is meeting an obligation to brave men and women. All of its work is done anonymously.

The financial aid is given not as charity to the families, but in the spirit of appreciation for those who have risked their lives protecting others. Over time, The Hundred Club has enlarged its purpose to include a Banquet honoring those who have been selected to receive recognition, college scholarships for the spouses of deceased fire and police personnel and for children of all police and firefighters; and recognition for those first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty performing heroic acts. However, the Club has never wavered from its original commitment to the families of deceased fire and police personnel.