100 Club of Illinois Raises More Than $600,000 at 60th Anniversary “Toast to Hope”

The 100 Club of Illinois celebrated six decades of standing behind Illinois’ first responders and their families on Thursday, October 1, with its 60th anniversary “Toast to Hope” celebration at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago. The evening raised more than $600,000 to support the organization’s ongoing work providing financial assistance, wellness resources, training and support to first responders and their families.

The program opened with Chicago Police Officer Kenyatta Gaines, FOP Field Representative and member of the 100 Club of Illinois Honor Guard, performing a powerful a cappella rendition of the National Anthem. Monsignor Velo delivered the invocation, followed by a welcome from 100 Club CEO Caitlyn Brennan. Speakers throughout the evening included sons and daughters of fallen first responders who shared their personal stories and how the 100 Club supported their families, including providing educational assistance and other resources following the loss of their parents.

Current first responders also shared how the 100 Club’s Frontline Funding program has helped provide resources during difficult times, while highlighting the organization’s no-cost training and wellness programs designed to help first responders build resilience and stay healthy on the job.

Guests enjoyed culinary experiences, cocktails, live entertainment and opportunities to connect with public safety leaders from across Illinois. Therapy K9s were also in attendance, highlighting the organization’s growing focus on first responder mental health and wellness.

“Our 60th anniversary is not simply a celebration of our past,” said Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Illinois. “It is a moment to recognize how much has changed for first responders and to make sure we are prepared to meet what they and their families need in the next 60 years.”

For more information, please visit www.100ClubIl.org

About the 100 Club of Illinois

The 100 Club of Illinois has supported first responders and their families since 1966. The organization provides financial assistance to families of first responders killed in the line of duty and resources, training, wellness and support to first responders throughout Illinois. Over six decades, the 100 Club has provided more than $17 million in benefits to 332 fallen public safety families and trained more than 10,000 first responders.