Jul 3, 2008 9:50 pm US/Central
Club Provides Relief To Fallen Officers' Families
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Chicago is in mourning for the officer who was killed this week in the line of duty. In this time of need, there's a group that snaps into action to ease the suffering of the fallen officer's family. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot introduces us to The Hundred Club.
"It's the most humbling experience you can have," said Ralph Scheu, President of The Hundred Club of Cook County.
Ralph Scheu is a familiar face in a time of need. Over the years, he has visited widows and their children after tragedy has changed their lives forever.
"To be allowed, and I mean that word, 'allowed,' to come into their family, at that time, when they're so deeply immersed in grief and it's so fresh, and they don't know what's going to happen tomorrow," Scheu said.
Just hours after Officer Richard Francis was shot to death while on duty, Scheu was at his front door. He had a $50,000 check with him for Officer Francis' widow, to help her with living expenses.
"We are extending our hand and our heart and our love to them, and grieving with them and want to do nothing but help," Scheu said.
Founded in 1966 by Scheu's father, The Hundred Club of Cook County has been helping the families of firefighters, police officers and paramedics killed in the line of duty.
In February of 1967, the organization gave out its first check. Since that time, 253 families have been helped.
Nineteen widows and 217 children of officers, paramedics and firefighters have also been sent to school.
"The kids have got to be educated and that is the best thing we can do," Scheu said.
More than $7 million has been given out in the past 41 years, $3 million of that has been used for educational assistance. All of this money has come from donations.
"The Hundred Club hopes and prays it will never meet another surviving spouse, but if called upon, The Hundred Club will be there," Scheu said.
For more information about The Hundred Club, please visit
www.100clubchicago.org
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