The Siren Autumn 2012

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The Siren The 100 Club of Chicago 1 Board of Directors Officers James V. Riley, Chairman Thomas J. Cashman, President James J. O’Connor, Executive VP Denis J. Healy, Vice President Liz Livingston Howard, Secretary Ralph B. Mandell, Treasurer Joseph J. Ahern, Executive Director Board of Directors Jeffrey Bergren Hon. Edward M. Burke Leonard Cerullo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Robert Graham Wally Hayward Bennett E. Kaplan Darrell B. Jackson Jay Javors Jeanne Randall Malkin 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 Michael Renda Elizabeth M. Rochford 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 Chairman Emeritus Ralph G. Scheu Autumn 2012 Continued on Page 6 Partners Make it Possible In this, our inaugural edition of The Siren, we celebrate some of our most important partnerships. These are businesses and organizations that have helped us expand our support services to first responders and their families. One of the organization’s most recent initiatives is The Gold Shield Partnership program. This program assembles six businesses organizations that represent the best of the best in their respective industry in order to provide the families of the fallen with pro bono professional support in the areas of Health, Law, Finance, Education, Job Training and Insurance. So far, Mesirow Financial has signed on as our Finance partner, Motorola Solutions as our Education partner and the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association as our Legal partner. Gold Shield Partners typically commit to a four-year relationship with the 100 Club. They provide offerings ranging from educational brochures addressing the specific needs common among 100 Club families to pro bono services. Gold Shield Partners also make a significant financial gift each year. Another significant relationship the 100 Club of Chicago maintains is with its eight University Partners: University of Chicago, DePaul University, Dominican University, John Marshall Law School, Loyola University, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University and St. Xavier University. Each of these Partners has made a commitment ranging up to two scholarships each year for full tuition to 100 Club Scholars. The 100 Club then provides assistance for their room, board, books or related expenses beyond tuition. (Left to Right) Special Agent in Charge Frank Benedetto, Investigative Specialist Danielle Koutsopanagos, Peter Schurla, Joe Ahern

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Autumn 2012

Transcript of The Siren Autumn 2012

Page 1: The Siren Autumn 2012

The Siren The 100 Club of Chicago

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Board of Directors Officers James V. Riley, Chairman

Thomas J. Cashman, President

James J. O’Connor, Executive VP

Denis J. Healy, Vice President

Liz Livingston Howard, Secretary

Ralph B. Mandell, Treasurer

Joseph J. Ahern, Executive Director

Board of Directors Jeffrey Bergren

Hon. Edward M. Burke

Leonard Cerullo, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Robert Graham

Wally Hayward

Bennett E. Kaplan

Darrell B. Jackson

Jay Javors

Jeanne Randall Malkin

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

Michael Renda

Elizabeth M. Rochford

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

Chairman Emeritus Ralph G. Scheu

Autumn 2012

Continued on Page 6

Partners Make it Possible In this, our inaugural edition of The Siren, we celebrate some of our

most important partnerships. These are businesses and organizations

that have helped us expand our support services to first responders and

their families.

One of the organization’s most recent initiatives is The Gold Shield

Partnership program. This program assembles six businesses

organizations that represent the best of the best in their respective

industry in order to provide the families of the fallen with pro bono

professional support in the areas of Health, Law, Finance, Education,

Job Training and Insurance.

So far, Mesirow Financial has signed on as our Finance partner,

Motorola Solutions as our Education partner and the Young Lawyers

Section of the Chicago Bar Association as our Legal partner.

Gold Shield Partners typically commit to a four-year relationship with

the 100 Club. They provide offerings ranging from educational

brochures addressing the specific needs common among 100 Club

families to pro bono services. Gold Shield Partners also make a

significant financial gift each year.

Another significant relationship the 100 Club of Chicago maintains is

with its eight University Partners: University of Chicago, DePaul

University, Dominican University, John Marshall Law School, Loyola

University, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University and St.

Xavier University.

Each of these Partners has made a

commitment ranging up to two

scholarships each year for full tuition

to 100 Club Scholars. The 100 Club

then provides assistance for their

room, board, books or related

expenses beyond tuition.

(Left to Right) Special Agent in Charge Frank Benedetto, Investigative Specialist Danielle

Koutsopanagos, Peter Schurla, Joe Ahern

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President’s Corner

It has been a pleasure serving as the President of the 100 Club

these past two years. They have been years of important

transition and growth. We have assembled an incredible

leadership team and staff led by Joe Ahern. His efforts have

increased the Club’s exposure and influence markedly, allowing

us to serve more families and first responders in more ways. I

look forward to continuing on as our next Chairman and it is

an absolute honor to be succeeded by incoming President Jim

O’Connor. Great things are sure to come!

Thomas J. Cashman

Board President

Joe Ahern

Executive Director

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

I am so excited to present this inaugural edition of The Siren, our new quarterly newsletter for our

members and supporters! I hope it will inspire you with the stories of valor, courage and sacrifice

of our first responders and their families. It also includes articles that reflect the kindness and

generosity of our many supporters, and the truly uplifting stories of our University Scholars who

are writing their own stories of triumph and success. We couldn't do it without you, our members.

I want to thank our team; Michele Rabenda, Molly Pyne,

Heather Sattler, and our dedicated interns Matt Crampton

and Patrick Pountney -- and all of our contributors to our

inaugural newsletter. Finally, a personal note of thanks to

Jim Riley our Chairman and Tom Cashman our President

for their vision and leadership in guiding this extraordinary

organization for so many years!

This is our 46th year and as we look to the future, I'm

strengthened by all the work that has been done to provide

for our families and the many new initiatives like the Gold

Shield Partnerships, 100 Club University Partnerships and

Camp Manito-wish that will allow us to increase our level

of support in the years to come. Thank you and welcome

to our First Edition!

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Spotlight On

Scholar: Alyssa Baker, step-daughter of Fallen Officer Thomas

Wood, is a Junior at Loyola University in Chicago. She is an

outstanding example of what we at the 100 Club hope for all of our

scholars. She is a model student as well as a gracious and caring

individual who says she, “can’t wait to recontribute(sic) and help

others like you’ve helped me.” Here is to another great school year

for this quarter’s spotlight scholar, Alyssa Baker.

Member: Albert Goodman, a lifetime member of the 100 Club,

has been nothing short of a hero, coming through with sizable

contributions during some of our neediest moments in time. Without

his generosity we would not be where we are today. (Photo - Maria

and Albert Goodman)

Board Member: Darrell Jackson, the son of a fallen Chicago

Police Officer and recipient of 100 Club assistance, has been a member

of the 100 Club Board of Directors for two years. His background and

insight to the importance of the 100 Club’s mission as well as his drive

to serve those in need has been invaluable. Darrell Jackson is President

of Personal Financial Services - Illinois at Northern Trust.

Supporter: Our first spotlight supporter is McHugh Construction.

McHugh recently presented the 100 Club with a $10,000 check on the

set of the new hit television series Chicago Fire. We would like to

thank McHugh and its Senior Vice President and current 100 Club

Board Member, Mike Meagher, for their continued support. (Photo

from left - Sharon Dunlop, Mike Meagher, Joe Ahern)

Family: Lt. L.C. Merrell, a member of the Chicago Fire

Department, was killed while responding to an emergency call on

April 29, 2009. Since that day, the 100 Club has extended $219,665

in assistance to his family. His sons LaVar and Rasheed have both

done incredibly well in the face of adversity. Both sons have gone on

to attend graduate school and have volunteered to work with the 100

Club to help those who have experienced similar tragedy. For these

reasons, the 100 Club has selected the Merrell family as this quarter’s

spotlight family. (Photo from left - Proud Mom Marilyn, Rasheed,

LaVar)

In the News On October 3, 2012 the 100 Club, along with the CFD Gold Badge Society, helped

provide firefighters tickets to see the Chicago Fire professional soccer team take on the Philadelphia

Union. The evening was highlighted by an appearance by Eamonn Walker of the new show

Chicago Fire. It was a great night for all involved thanks

to the Chicago Tribune who promoted the event the

previous day.

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Past Events

Firefighter Appreciation Night

Leadership Awards

On October 3rd the 100 Club co-sponsored the Leadership Awards with the Apparel Industry Board,

Inc. for the second time. This year’s event was held once again at the unparalleled Four Seasons Hotel.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle received the Civic Leadership award for her current

role as well as her achievements as Alderman of Chicago’s 4th Ward. The Cultural Leadership award

went to Modern Luxury President John Carroll for bringing Chicagoans together for the best our city

has to offer through Chicago Lifestyle magazines CS, CS Bride, CS Interiors, Men’s Book Chicago,

Front Desk Chicago, Charity & Social Datebook and the newly launched NS: Modern Luxury for the

North Shore. Chicago Cubs Chairman Thomas S.

Ricketts was awarded the Corporate Leadership

award for the advancements he has fostered with

the team, the community and the city. The evening

featured a silent and live auction including four

Cubs tickets in the Ricketts’ personal dug-out seats,

dinner for four with Chicago Police Superintendent

Garry McCarthy at NoMi and dinner for four with

Commissioner Jose Santiago of the Chicago Fire

Department at Carnivale. The 100 Club would like

to thank everyone who made the night such a success.

The Chicago Cubs generously named the 100 Club of Chicago a recipient of proceeds from Firefighter

Appreciation Night at Wrigley Field on September 18th. The evening game against the Cincinnati Reds

started off with guest appearances from the cast of the new NBC series Chicago Fire. Actor Jesse

Spencer and Chicago Firefighter Art Guzman honored America and local Firefighters by performing

the National Anthem on the violin and guitar respectively, while actor Taylor Kinney threw out the

night’s first pitch. Special Budweiser Ticket packages offered discounted bleacher tickets, with $5 going

to the 100 Club. This was a fantastic opportunity to see some great baseball, help a worthy cause and get

a CFD themed Chicago Cubs t-shirt. The 100 Club is grateful to the 650 people who bought Budweiser

Ticket packages to support area firefighters as well as the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Fire cast

members who made the night’s festivities possible. Above all, we would like to thank our firefighters for

all they do.

100 Club Executive Director and Board Members with the cast of Chicago Fire

Left to Right - Joe Ahern, Commissioner Jose Santiago, Thomas S. Ricketts, IAFF Local 2 President Tom Ryan, Bob Graham

Joe Ahern with Leadership Award winners John Carroll, Toni Preckwinkle, and Thomas S. Ricketts. (pictured from left to right)

Page 5: The Siren Autumn 2012

End of watch Anniversaries

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Upcoming Events

20 years

10/05/1992 Officer John J. Lyons - Chicago Police Department

11/17/1992 Dep. Alfred Brown - Cook County Sheriff’s Police

30 years

11/20/1982 Sgt. Hampton T. McMikel, Jr.

Chicago Police Department

12/16/1982 Special Agent Robert W. Conners - F.B.I

12/16/1982 Special Agent Charles L. Ellington - F.B.I

12/16/1982 Special Agent Terry B. Hereford - F.B.I

12/16/1982 Special Agent Michael J. Lynch - F.B.I

40 Years

10/01/1972 Patrolman Anthony Raymond

Hillside Police Department

11/01/1972 Lt. Edward V. O’Neill - Chicago Police Department

12/22/1972 Patrolman Edgar DeCuir - Chicago Police Department

Fallen Heroes

2012 Valor Awards

By the Numbers

46 - Number of Years the 100 Club of Chicago has existed

245 - Number of Families served

211 - Number of Spouses & Children receiving higher educational assistance

Valor Awards On November 8th

the 100 Club of Chicago will host its 32nd Valor Awards at the

Holiday Inn Mart Plaza in Chicago. This year we will honor 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. Read about their heroism on our homepage: www.100clubchicago.org.

First Look for Charity The 2013 First Look for Charity event will take place on February 8th, the eve of

opening day of the Chicago Auto Show. Attendees will have the opportunity to see

all the latest models while listening to the sounds of American English and the

Million Dollar Quartet. This preview night raises money for outstanding charities

including the 100 Club of Chicago and features a raffle for a brand new 2013

Buick Encore and Hyundai Santa Fe. Don’t leave your tux at home because this

event is black tie only. For ticket information, call (312)992-0215.

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EMS Remember that as we enter the season where the leaves and snow start to fall we are also entering the

season with the highest level of risk for heart attack and stroke. We at the 100 Club would like to remind

you not to overexert yourself while you’re out there cleaning up nature’s messes. Be sure to drink plenty

of water, take frequent breaks and warm up inside.

Law Enforcement With the holiday season just around the corner, the Chicago Police Department reminds us that now more

than any other is a time to be discreet while out shopping. Don’t carry open top purses, keep wallets and

cell phones in a front pocket, shop with friends and walk confidently. All of these things can help prevent

you from being a target of pickpockets and thieves. We would also like to add to please walk, don’t run

on Black Friday.☺

Fire

Daylight Savings time is November 4th. Remember it’s important that you check your smoke detectors

whenever you change your clocks. This is especially crucial leading up to the holiday

season. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for 240 fires annually,

resulting in 13 deaths and more than $16.7 million in property damage. Be sure to keep your tree well

watered and to unplug lights before bed. Keep trees away from fire places, space heaters and other sources

of ignition. Christmas tree fires spread rapidly in the right conditions and can be caused by electric

shortages.

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Continued from Page 1

We are also very grateful for our new partnership with Camp Manito-wish, a YMCA Leadership

Summer Camp in the woods of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. In 2012, they made it possible for 5

children to attend a two-week session; they plan to invite 10 in 2013. Campers experience a wide

variety of programs in-camp and on the trail aimed at building friendships, developing leadership skills

and just having fun.

Finally, tightening our relationship with the Secret Service has helped strengthen our ability to support

special agents and their families. It also resulted in the Secret Service generously donating $15,000 from

proceeds of their annual golf outing to the 100 Club of Chicago.

The Siren represents one more way we are attempting to build on our relationships with members,

businesses, foundations and organizations. We hope you enjoy this edition and welcome your feedback:

[email protected].

Safety Tips from your friends in Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement

A Special Thanks to our University Partners

Page 7: The Siren Autumn 2012

Welcome! New Members

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Jeff Aeder

Susan Ahern

Kevin Allodi

Ron Barber

Joe E. Barnes

Senka Barney

Cara Becker

Eric Becker

Greg Becker

Jake Becker

Jill Becker

Bob Berman

Robin Berman

Mr. & Mrs. Brown

Michael Butkus

Lisa G. Callahan

Mark E. Cermak

Michael P. Cole

Patrick Conroy

Charles Corsi

Robert G. Cunningham

Tennille C. DeBerry

Linnea Deitcher

Menahem Deitcher

James A. DeLeo

Joseph DeRoche

Carmen I. DeSadier

Evan Devroe

Harry DiSanto

Lorelei DiSanto

Preston Dry

Brandon S. Duff

Geoffrey P. Dybas

Lisa Dybas

Michael J. Edens

Charles R. Exner

Drew Fasseas

James Fennessey

Michael W. Ferro

Patrick Fleming

John D. Fornengo

James E. Fruin

James J. Gaballa

Kevin Glynn

Barbara Goff

Millie Gomez

Clarice Gregoire

Joseph A. Gregoire

Jean O. Grieb

William K. Grieb

Ronald W. Hall

George Hanley

John Hanson

Gary Hickerson

StevenHoffman

David R. Jablonowski

J. J. Javors

Paul Jedrzejak

John P. Joyce

Gary M. Katler

Tom Kane

Karen Katler

Richard J. Kearney

David A. Kelly

Alexander Kim

Donalda Kohnke

Donald R. Koplitz

Kerry A. Koran

James F. Kotowicz

Robert J. Kubiak

Vincent A. Lavieri

Ken Lebovic

John Leen

Terrence P. LeFevour

Willie D. Long

John J. Lothian

Mary Kay Malas

Frank J. Marino

Frank A. Marino

Patrick McNally

Sarah McNally

Janet L. Mintzer

Richard A. Mintzer

Kelly Mitchell

Guinevere Moore

Adam Moschin

James M. Mullaghy

Luis Munoz

Michael N. Murphy

James J. O'Connor

Brady P. O'Connell

Patricia O'Donnell

Marc Offit

Meredith Oliver

Michael E. O'Neill

William J. O'Reilly

Susan Packard

Bradley Parks

John Peller

Patrick M. Pemberton

Richard B. Pfeil

David C. Pineda

Keely Polczynski

Stephen F. Proctor

Josh Przyborowski

Lauren Przyborowski

Timothy Quinn

Raphael Ramos

William Read

Sonya Reich

Blake Resnick

Patrick F. Riordan

Charlie Robinson

Laurence Robinson

Veronica Rodriguez

Philip B. Rooney

Trisha Rooney

Robert Rowe

Carlo Rubino

Cindy Sam

Ellyn E. Schmitz

Jennifer Schulz

Steve Schulz

John C. Sciaccotta

David L. Seagren

John Serafin

Jack Shaffer

Jessica Shatkin

Lloyd Shatkin

Miles Shatkin

Mark Sherlock

Robert E. Shook

Janet Shoup

Stephen Shoup

Ermalene Toni Smith

James Sorenson

Phillip J. Speciale

Jeffrey Sternberg

Nadere Sternberg

Joseph Stodola

Kathleen M. Taylor

Nora E. Tellez

Steven J. Vaccaro

David J. Walsh

Thomas Wiltzius

as of 10/5/2012

New Partners

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100 Club of Chicago

135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1162

Chicago, IL 60603

Call to Action Subscribe to The Siren

We hope you enjoyed our first edition of The Siren. In order to reduce the costs to the environment

and our budget, our future quarterly newsletters will only be available electronically. If you would

like to continue receiving The Siren please update your email address at www.100clubchicago.org

and scroll down the right hand menu or by phone at (312)521-4644. If you would like to share any

feedback or suggestions for The Siren, please email [email protected] or call her at

(312)521-4644.

We are now accepting applications and renewals for

2013 memberships. If you are enrolling for the first time,

please visit www.100clubchicago.org/application or call

(312)992-0215 for assistance. If you are renewing your

membership, you may respond to the renewal mailing or

visit www.100clubchicago.org and look for Member

Services on the right hand menu.

Being a member carries many benefits. You will receive

a membership card, membership decals for your car and up-

dates about the organization’s activities and

achievements. You will also be invited guests to the

annual 100 Club Valor Awards, which recognizes heroic

law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics who

performed above and beyond the call of duty.

Become a 2013 Member

Membership Levels

Active Law Enforcement,

Firefighters and EMS

$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

www.100clubchicago.org (312)992-0215 http://www.facebook.com/100clubofchicago

Remember … memberships make great gifts!