The Siren The 100 Club of Chicago

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Summer 2013

Board of Directors Chairman Thomas J. Cashman President James J. O’Connor Executive Vice President Ralph B. Mandell Vice President Denis J. Healy Secretary Liz Livingston Howard Treasurer Ralph B. Mandell Directors Jeffrey Bergren Hon. Edward M. Burke Leonard Cerullo, M.D., F.A.C.S. Bridget Gainer Steve Ginsburg Robert Graham Wally Hayward John Idler Darrell B. Jackson Jay Javors Bennett Kaplan Karin Lijana Matura Peter D. McDonald Michael J. Meagher Richard Melman Dana Mikstay Joshua A. Mintzer William J. O’Connell Fred J. O’Connor Dennis Pedrelli James V. Riley Larry R. Rogers, Jr. John C. Sciaccotta Steve Stratton Robert A. Sullivan Karen P. Tandy Glenn F. Tilton Daniel G. Watts Edward S. Weil, Jr. Lawrence J. Wert Senior Directors Robert H. Asher Hon. Anne M. Burke Russell H. Ewert Peter A. Fasseas James E. Gorman Sheldon F. Good, CCIM Martin E. Janis Jeanne Randall Malkin Thomas F. Meagher, Sr. B. Michael Pallasch Elizabeth M. Rochford Robert Sheridan William P. Sullivan

More people than ever before are expressing their support for first re-sponders and their families through their affiliation with the 100 Club.

• Membership grew 84% between 6/30/12 and 6/30/13 • Our Facebook page jumped from 215 members to 991

members in that same time • The e-list we created last year now has more than

1,300 subscribers • Our volunteer-base is also growing; dozens of people

pitch in to take responsibility for tasks ranging from board governance to mailings to the creation of this newsletter

Not only are people becoming more familiar with the good work of the Club; we, as a nation, have seen several large-scale tragedies that have brought to light the dangers our first responders face and the sacrifices their families make. In April, 12 first responders died while responding to a fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. Then, on June 29th 19 firefighters, members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, were killed in the line of duty battling the Yarnell Hill wildfire in central Arizona. We also saw courageous and tireless efforts and the incredible teamwork exhibited among the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies responding to the Boston Marathon bombing. Locally, our fire and law enforce-ment teams demonstrated similar efforts and teamwork as they kept us all safe during the Blackhawks Rally, the Taste of Chicago and the many other large public gatherings throughout the Chicago area this year. All of these individuals put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of others. They do this most every day of their career, not knowing how any situation will turn out. Thus, people are lining up to let them know that we have their backs should the worst happen.

The 100 Club Spirit is Spreading!

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 Chief Executive Officer

President’s Corner

As you will read, this edition of The Siren is overflowing with people and moments worthy of celebration. In this moment I’m thinking of a person who is definitely worth celebrating even as we continue to mourn his passing on July 22. Dennis Farina is the guy I first turned to when I took the job leading the 100 Club and began to focus on in-creasing awareness of this great organization. He agreed without hesitation to not just one, but two very important Public Service Campaigns that really set the tone for Chicago to take notice of the 100 Club. He was a Chicago guy, a former Police Officer, a movie star and a long time member of the 100 Club -- and from long before I got here, a dear friend of mine.

It is a great honor to say that the 100 Club will now be giving a scholarship in the name of Dennis Farina to a high achieving 100 Club Scholar each year. This is made possible through Dennis’s own generosity in requesting donations to the 100 Club in lieu of flowers at his services.

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On August 27, the 100 Club of Chicago celebrated 47 years of providing for the families of fallen first responders. It was a special day with a hopeful beginning and a surprise ending. That morning our CEO and COO attended the Chicago Police Department’s Graduation Ceremony for Recruit Class 13-1 and 13-2. Of the 123 officers taking the Oath of Office, 21 followed in the footsteps of a family member before them and 27 came to CPD after serving in the U.S. Military – including a Purple Heart recipient! By the end of the work day, we had received the unexpected news that we had been bequeathed $135,000. This will, of course, go a long way in helping us fulfill our mission.

Not every day of our 47 years have been this sunny, but they have all been weathered thanks to the power and grace of our member-ship.

Demetrius Frayzier Tawer Gabrial Skip Gianopulos Jr. Tim Gibbons Marc Ginsburg Donald V. Giuliano Andrew Gloor Scott Goodman Shelly Griggs Mark O. Hackner Edmond Hanna Michelle K. Hannon Katie Hannon Bridget Hannon Sean Houlihan Tony Hunter Susan Hunter Aleksandar Jakojevic Joseph Jorge Jeffrey Kaufmann Susan Kaufmann Brian Kieffer Mitch Kovitz

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New Members (April 1 - June 30, 2013)

New Partners

Thank You For Your Support!

Kelly Artioli Frank Balestri Denise Balestri Christopher Bane Debbie Berman Evan Bern Howard B. Bernick Robert Brady Ashley Brandon Marc Brenner Jordan Bressler Devon C. Bruce Scott Bruzek Craig A. Burman Bill Cosgrove Anthony Cuda John Edburg Andy Esho Roe Faraone Brian Fetzer Carolyn Fetzer Adam D. Firsel Mark Flessner

John Krolo Brian LaCien Diane Lappin Marc Leavitt Robert J. Lesch Justin Lopatin Frank Manisalco Natacha McClain Sharon McNicholas Colleen McNicholas Sarah Miller Rita Mischka Kathleen Murdock Terry O’Brien Kewargis Oraha Carol Oraha Joseph Perez Roland F. Porter Bryan Pudinoff Sargon Rasho Simon Rayes David Rigney Sargon Rasho

Sargon Rasho Simon Rayes David Rigney DJ Romano Edward Sajdak Martin J. Salvucci Joseph Sauer Luke Sauer Harley Schachter Max Schrayer Lynn Schrayer Zaldwaynaka Scott Albert Shamoon Lindsey Simon Alan J. Stengel Jonathan Thomas John Vercillo Tracy Vercillo Timothy Walsh Patrick Weibel Jeri Winsberg Timothy W. Wright III

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Past Events

Scholars Day

100 Club Junior Board Soiree at Japonais

Pig-Out

On Wednesday, July 24th Police Officers from the 18th District and the 19th District went head to head for Twenty-Five Degrees’ third annual burger eating competition “Pig-Out For Charity.” Proceeds went to the 100 Club of Chicago and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Way to be District 19, who’s unorthodox approach to burger eating blew the opponents away!

Joe Ahern with Jr. Board Members and friends

Photo by Brooke Collins © 2013 City of Chicago

On July 10th 100 young members gathered at Japonais to show their appreciation for first responders awhile enjoying sake, prosecco and signature Japonais fare.

The Junior Board couldn’t have picked a better setting than the River-Walk at sunset, complete with plenty of lounge seating and two ping-pong tables!

Very special thanks to our event sponsor, AMI Group, LLC.

On June 26, Mayor Rahm Emanuel invited 100 Club Board Mem-bers and Scholars to attend the City Council meeting. Our Scholars, pictured here, met Mayor Emanuel and took a photograph with him before the meeting. During the meeting, those in attendance

Firefighter Appreciation Night

heard a proclamation naming June 26, 2013 as 100 Club of Chicago Scholars Day in recog-nition of the ultimate sacrifice of our public servants and the inspir-ing perseverance of their children. Congratulations to all 100 Club Scholars!

July 31st was the celebration of Firefighter Appreciation night at Wrigley Field. The 100 Club received $5 from each Terrace Reserved seat and Budweiser Bleacher ticket sold. Thank you to all the die hard fans for waiting out the downpour to see the Cubs beat the Brewers!

Meegan Addy, winner of the 125” pearl necklace generously

donated by Marshall Pierce

The inaugural 100 Club Family Day at Brookfield Zoo was everything we hoped it would be and more. It was truly a family reunion, complete with laughter, tears and the sharing of cherished memories. There was also music, food, outdoor toys, performing dolphins and everything else the Zoo has to offer!

One of the most moving moments of the day was the opening procession from Roosevelt Fountain to the Pavilions, where our picnic took place. Led by both police and fire pipes and drums, 100 Club families and supporters walked through an Honor Guard cordon consisting of representatives from the many departments the 100 Club has responded to over the years.

100 Club CEO Joe Ahern, Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago and Chicago Police Chief Eugene Williams delivered remarks honoring and thanking the families for their service and sacrifice. Every family received an honorary membership to the 100 Club.

We could go on and on about what the day meant to us, but we rather like a response we received from a family we reconnected with at the picnic. Please enjoy this letter from the family of Police Officer Leland Pye, who died in the line of duty in 1985.

The Pye family wants to thank each of you, and many others, for a very special event today. You did a great job honoring our fallen family members. The Chicago Emerald Society, the honor guard, the snorkel trucks at the entrance to the parking lot, the respect paid to the families of the lost, the lunch-eon, the special day at the zoo– we thank you so much for remembering our families!! All the volun-teers did such a spectacular job, including the folks checking us in.

My father, Leland Pye, died on duty 4/6/85 in Hoffman Estates. He never got to see his grandchil-dren. All three were there today. They were so impressed by the honor and respect and how well planned this event was. My 8-year old niece enjoyed the bean bag toss and blowing air bubbles. You did a great job making this special for the children.

When mom received the invitation for this event some time ago, my sons said “wow, a free day at the zoo.” I reminded them that this had a huge cost! Thanks again for remembering…

This would not have been possible without the countless people who came together to plan and carefully execute the event. Special thanks to the entire staff of the Brookfield Zoo, especially President and CEO Stuart Strahl and Jo-Elle Mogerman, Vice President of Institutional Planning and Inclusion. We are also grateful to our friends at James McHugh Construction who sponsored the picnic and pro-vided volunteers. Police Officer Mike Ostrowski, James Papajohn of the Flower Firm and Bob Milkovich of Milkovich Photography went above and beyond in contributing meaningful and memorable extra touches. Thank you all!

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100 Club Family Day

The Jezuit Family Courtesy of Milkovich Photography

Courtesy of Milkovich Photography

The Great Chicago Fire Hydrants Project The 100 Club is taking part in a creative campaign that is already making news all over town. Thanks to the creative efforts of Agency 360, Innovation Ovation and many others you will be seeing a sight you won’t soon forget.

Launching on September 11th, over 100 fiberglass hydrants, each 5’ tall and 3’ wide, will be displayed in prominent locations all over the city in storefront windows, corporate lobbies, tourism destinations and more. On December 4th the fire hydrants will be auctioned off at the beautiful Hyatt Regency on Wacker. Proceeds will benefit the 100 Club. Be sure to tell all your friends to make a point of touring these wonderful works of art -- and to attend the fabulous auction celebration. If you are interested in sponsoring a hydrant, visit www.greatchicagofirehydrants.com.

Leadership Awards The 2013 Leadership Awards, which will take place on Thursday, September 19th at the Four Seasons in Chicago, will honor a few of our very own. The 100 Club and the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. will pre-sent the Civic Leadership Award to Edward M. Burke, Chairman of the City Council Finance Committee and Alderman of the 14th Ward, who serves as our city’s resident historian and whose family’s history intertwines with Chicago’s. Judith Rice, Senior Vice President, Community Affairs & Economic Devel-opment at BMO Harris Bank NA, who works tirelessly to benefit the less fortunate, will receive the award for Visionary Leadership. James V. Riley, businessman extraordinaire, whose contributions and generosity have shaped our city, will receive the award for Philanthropic Leadership. Contact Kyle Weller at 312.992.0215 to purchase tickets to this unforgettable night.

Valor Awards

Our 33rd Valor Awards Ceremony and Reception will take place on Tuesday, October 1st at Maggiano’s Grand location. This special evening, sponsored by Glenn Tilton of Chase, will celebrate our first responders’ acts of valor and courage. The Valor Award is the only civilian award permitted to be worn on the awardees’ uniform in every municipality within Cook County. All 100 Club members are invited as guests of the 100 Club. If you didn’t receive your invitation by mail, please let us know.

Junior Board Young Membership Drive On Thursday, November 7th the 100 Club Junior Board will host a Young Membership Drive at Studio Paris from 6p-9p. Current members may attend for $50; new members who join at the “Young Member” rate (40 and under) are comped for the event!! It will be a luxurious night with bites from Paris Club and beverages provided by our sponsors, the Wine and Spirit Distributors of Illinois and Peroni. Join about 350 young professionals to show your appreciation of emergency responders. Details will be posted on our website and Facebook.

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Upcoming Events

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100 Club Family Day

The first ever Family Day event at Brookfield Zoo was a huge success thanks in part to the wide media coverage we received before and after the event. Here are just a few links we thought you would enjoy:

In the News

Congratulations to our 2013 Graduates!!!

Denzell Blackmon– Concordia University St. Paul Peg Flisk– DePaul University

Nicole Rolniak– Ball State University Antonia Silva– DePaul University Kerwin Patmon– Culver-Stockton

40 Years

7/26/1973 P.O. Louis Cullotta: Chicago Police Department

9/28/1973 P.O. Edward L. Barron: Chicago Police Department

30 Years

8/30/1983 P.O. Anthony L. Creed: Chicago Police Department

20 Years

8/6/1993 P.O. Gerald Wright: Chicago Police Department

Fallen Heroes of Our Families

Dennis Farina: Chicago’s Own, 100 Club’s Own

As a result of Dennis Farina’s kind wishes for the 100 Club to receive donations in lieu of flowers at his bereavement services, we were also privileged to have media coverage. Here are a few links covering Dennis & the 100 Club:

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

Fire Safety It’s always good to be prepared, so here are some general at-home safety re-minders that will help keep your home a safe place. Make sure to install and check your smoke detectors often—testing your detectors the first or last day of every month by poking it with a broomstick is suggested. Be “kitchen wise,” which includes never leaving cooking unattended, setting a timer to remind you to turn off burners and/or ovens and keeping stove surfaces free of clutter. Always keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible place and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it. Remember to keep extinguishers away from stoves or other heating appliances.

EMS Although summer is coming to an end, we at the 100 Club would like to remind you of the most helpful and easy ways to avoid sunburn, bug bites and blisters. To avoid a sunburn, make sure to use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours (even on cloudy days) and remember, the strongest sun hours are from 10am-4pm. To prevent bug bites, avoid wearing bright colors or flower print clothing, control odors at outdoor events and don’t wear heavy perfumes or scented lotions, which tend to attract many bugs that sting. For those of you who get blisters often, make sure to use petroleum jelly on the areas that are frequently affected, change your socks and shoes regularly and pad certain areas to prevent blisters.

Law Enforcement The back to school season is here! Many children ride the bus, walk or ride their bike to school, so here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind while sharing the road with pedestrians, especially kids. Make sure to be extra cautious when driving through areas like school zones, parks and playgrounds because you never know when a child could run out into the street. Follow the school zone speed limit! Never pass a stopped school bus when children are get- ting off, and always give the right-away to a pedestrian when approaching a crosswalk.

Avoid multi-tasking when driving to prevent distractions from pedestrians and other cars on the road. Put your cell-phone away, don’t put make-up on while driving and don’t eat when behind the wheel...keep your eyes on the road.

Remember, a safe driver is a smart driver!!

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Spotlight On Board Member: Ralph Mandell has been a member of the 100 Club since 1997 and was elected to the Board of Directors just one year later. He currently serves as both Executive Vice President and Treasurer. As Chairman Emeritus and co-founder of PrivateBancorp, Inc., it is most fitting that Mr. Mandell chairs the 100 Club Finance & Investment Advisory Committee. In addition to his financial guidance, the Club benefits greatly from Mr. Man-dell’s genteel leadership style and generosity. He says, “Like anyone who comes on the board, we all feel the commitment to those who each and every day are serving and protecting all of us and we our privileged to assist those families who have lost loved ones in action.”

Member: Colleen McNicholas, daughter of Deputy Fire Commissioner John McNicholas, became the Marketing Intern at the 100 Club back in March 2013 and still continues to volunteer with us. Colleen writes, “I take so much pride in our first responders. I feel incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with the 100 Club and make a difference in people’s lives in some way. I have loved every minute of being here.”

Family: In 1999, after responding to a disturbance call, Patrolman Myles Smetana of the Chicago Police Department suffered multiple heart attacks placing him in a coma until his passing 23 days later. Officer Smetana left behind his wife Kathy and three young children. Today, two of his children have reached college age and are active scholars in the 100 Club Educational Assistance Program. Zack, a junior at Northwestern, is on track to earn Bachelors degrees in both Economics and Mathematics with a

minor in Business German. Kate, 18, is in her first year at DePaul with sights on becoming a Physical Therapist. Erin, the youngest, was just 4 months when her father became a 100 Club Hero. The Smetana family presents a wonderful example of strength and success that our 100 Club family is proud to support.

Scholar: Nicole Rolniak, daughter of fallen Detective William Rolniak, Jr., recently graduated from Ball State University in May 2013. Nicole received her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing and took the NCLEX-RN exam this summer. She hopes to someday work in the Intensive Care Unit or Cath Lab. We at the 100 Club are extremely proud of Nicole’s success and cannot wait to see where her future takes her!!

Supporter: If you have been to a 100 Club event, you know well how beautiful the decorations and special touches are. This is all thanks to James Papajohn and his crew at The Flower Firm. James is the Co-founder of this premier event production company and serves as Artistic Director and Production Specialist. His vision and his generosity have made 100 Club affairs - from our participation in the Southside St. Patrick’s Day Parade to our annual Valor Awards - even more striking and memorable.

100 Club of Chicago 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1162 Chicago, IL 60603

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Call to Action

Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer

Joe Ahern Heather Sattler Director of Finance & Program Services Executive Administrator

Molly Pyne Kylie Weller