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OUR HISTORY

In the Beginning

The first 100 Club was founded in 1952 by Detroit auto dealer William Packer when he learned of the death of a young patrolman.  Packer wrote to 100 of his friends asking for assistance for the patrolman’s young widow and unborn child.  This was the beginning of the very first 100 club: since then, the 100 Club has grown into a worldwide organization with over 114 affiliations and millions of members.

In Rhode Island

The 100 Club of Rhode Island was founded in 1972 by a group of local businessmen as a private charitable organization.  Its primary mission is to provide financial assistance to the families of police officers, firefighters and rescue personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Active full-time police, firefighters and rescue personnel are eligible for associate membership.

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Today, in addition to providing this critical service to families of first responders, we also offer scholarships for eligible children of first responders , as well as assisting local fire and police departments with funding for special projects, services, and equipment. 

 

Our Founders

The 100 Club of RI was founded by a group of dedicated individuals

who believe in the idea of giving back.

Harold C. Arcaro, Jr.

Russell J. Boyle

Harvey W. Burgher

Peter L. Burgher

Santi Campanella

Maurice Frank

Clarence H. Gifford, Jr.

Thomas N. Goodwin

Maxwell C. Huntoon

Elwood A. Palmer

Thomas W. Pearlman

Barry Pickell

Robert G. Stevens

Joseph S. Sinclair

Henry S. Woodbridge