Together, We Raise Hope

The 100 Club of Illinois was founded by community members who vowed to support our first responder heroes and their families. This spirit of community coming together in support of a mission dedicated to hope after tragedy has not faltered in nearly sixty years. Since 2016, the 100 Club of Illinois Raising Hope Gala has supported Illinois first responders and their families, raising more than $4 million to fuel the 100 Club’s mission.

Looking for a way to give back to our Illinois heroes and their families?

Join the Club in Raising Hope and participate in our ongoing campaign to provide much needed funding for families who suffer the loss of their hero in the line of duty, educational assistance for our dependent survivors, and the continuation of mental health resources for all first responders throughout the state.

Since 2023, the 100 Club of Illinois has provided:



$852,909 in Educational Assistance to 38 Survivor Scholars to help achieve their educational dreams



72 trainings focused on mental health, wellness, and resilience across the State of Illinois, reaching over 7,000 active duty first responders



29 Emergency Assistance grants to ensure active duty first responders are as resilient as possible at work and at home



$1,426,500+ in programming for families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders across the state

Support the 100 Club of Illinois today and Raise Hope for first responders and their families

Join us at the raising hope gala

click here

100 Club Scholar, 2002

Ever since I was a youngster, my father held a dream that I would one day graduate college, no matter what sacrifices he had to make. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice for my dream, and his, to be realized. I will never be able to thank you and your organization enough for lending a helping hand to my family during such dire straits. With this degree, my dream is to go back to my hometown and be a teacher. Hopefully, one day, I will have made as great of an impact on the community as my father has.

Learn More

100 Club Scholar, 2015

My professional goals are to follow in the footsteps of my father, and join the Chicago Police Department as a police officer. My father always having been a great role model to me growing up, it has always been a long time dream of mine to achieve. I am forever grateful for everything the 100 Club of Chicago has allowed for me to be able to achieve with their support and for the support of my family during such a difficult time in our lives

Learn More

100 Club Scholar, 1986

I would again like to thank you for your kindness. It gives me great honor to inform you of my accomplishments, for it is you, the 100 Club, who have helped turn my wishes into reality. I am eagerly looking to the day when I can return such a favor as well as the day I may join the 100 Club.

Learn More

100 Club Scholar, 2021

I just want to THANK YOU and the 100 Club of Illinois for being there every step of the way for me and my educational journey…No, I didn’t want to become part of this family in the way that I did, no one does, but you have made this “new normal” a little easier. I am truly grateful.

Learn More