Submitted by Ed Roy CEO and David Blackshear Finance Chair of the 100 Club of Acadiana
THE 100 CLUB OF ACADIANA is a relative new organization set up to provide financial support for the families of fallen and injured police officers and firefighters in all of Acadiana – Lafayette, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermillion, Acadia and St. Landry. Resources to accomplish this goal are meager at the moment but growing as more people learn about the importance of this humanitarian effort.
A few weeks ago, Lafayette Police Officer Hali Bradford was seriously injured after being shot. On July 25th, 35 year old Lafayette PD Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette was killed, leaving a wife and five children. You can easily imagine what the loss to the family is immediately with the loss of their breadwinner and existing debt over a long period of time.
The “100 Club” seeks members from businesses and individuals who “join the club.” The name comes from membership opportunities. Personal members contribute $100 annually. Personal Life Membership is $1000. Business memberships are $150 annually or $1500 for Life Membership.
Can Acadiana rise to the occasion? Look at the following model: Formed in 1953, the Houston 100 Club has grown to 32,000 members that provides the financial support described above in 32 counties surrounding Houston. That support comes by paying off home loans, vehicle loans, credit card debt, and also assisting with providing a college education for officer’s children. While many rank and file officers are members, that is voluntary only and the majority of contributions come from civilians and civilian businesses of all kinds including “Amazon Smile”, “Kroger Community Awards” and “Randall’s Good Neighbors,” Houston area car dealers and other businesses of all types.
Has the club been successful? So far from 28,148 active members, more than $50 million has been collected and disbursed, to surviving defendants including $22,407,740 for the support described above, more than 14 million dollars has been provided for protective equipment and more than 11 million dollars has been provided for officer education and scholarships.
Acadiana should follow this example. Please look at 100clubofacadiana.com to join at the membership level of your choice. You can also call 337-735-9900 for any more information you may wish to obtain. This tax-deductible Acadiana organization NEEDS YOU!
