79-04-A6
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The 100 Club[edit]
Transcript[edit]About 20 years ago four men in Boston, Massachusetts -- all successful in their field of endeavor -- decided to create an organization simply because they cared. They were Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. They said, "We care for those who care for us." That is today the slogan of the unique organization they created, The 100 Club of Massachusetts, Incorporated. Only one of those founders is alive today; Norman Knight, President of the 100 Club. The club, which started with four men, now has a membership of more than 2,000 business, professional and civic leaders from all over Massachusetts and a long waiting list of people who want to join them in providing a magnificent service. You'll understand that slogan, "We care for those who care for us", if I read a line or two from one of the club's pamphlets. "A piercing bullet, a raging fire, a terrifying explosion or a sudden heart failure can quickly flick out the life of our heroic protectors against crime and holocausts. There's lonely grief, mounting bills, the world becomes bleak." These words, of course, are about the men who serve in law enforcement and those who protect us from fire. And the families they leave when the hazards of their work cost them their lives. The four founders of the 100 Club wanted to do something for these men who care for us. Twenty years ago they started helping the families who had met with tragedy. At first it was a $1,000 check to a widow. Now it's $2,500, plus paying $10,000 worth of bills, summer camp for children, college assistance and a host of other benefits. But even more it is a warm and continuing relationship -- not just the impersonal mailing of a check. More than 15 functions a year for widows and children are arranged ranging from baseball games to the famous Boston Pops concerts. Right now the club is caring for some 200 families across the state. There are no fixed rules, nor is the help limited to families of men killed in the line of duty. It is an effort by private citizens who want to help their neighbors. And in these 20 years they have helped by some $2 million worth. Here are a few lines from the letters that arrive almost daily at the 100 Club headquarters. "We shall never forget how our lives were touched by many kind, loving and caring people." "I was at the hospital this evening when the lovely basket of fruit arrived for my son. He broke down and cried." "We're enjoying ourselves at camp. We learned how to field, hit, steal bases and a lot more things." "I would like to sincerely thank everyone for once again making it financially possible for me to return to college this fall." And from a bereaved widow: "God bless you for caring and understanding." What if we had 50 statewide 100 Clubs? This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening. |
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