THE 100 CLUB

Rescuing First Responders

STORY BY KAREN RANFT PHOTO BY LIZZ DANIELS

Whenever people find themselves needing help or in dangerous situations, first responders come to their aid, frequently putting the wellbeing of others above their own safety. When these men and women are the ones in need, it can be hard to know where to look for aid. That’s when the Guadalupe County 100 Club comes to the rescue. 100 Club president Angela Mark appreciates the struggle police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and others may face when tragedy strikes their own lives.

“Nobody ever thinks about these things until their heartstrings are pulled,” she said. “The money in our account is for first responders who are injured or killed in the line of duty, and thankfully we don’t use that money often. Instead, we try to give back once a year by offering grants to our first responders.”

Mark helped found the Guadalupe County 100 Club back in 2010 after hearing about a group of police officers involved in a shooting. This heartbreaking story hit close to home and inspired her to help first responders in her community any way possible.

“My husband was a detention officer at the Guadalupe County jail at the time, and it bothered me to see that these people had lost their lives,” she said. “I wanted to do something to help protect our local law enforcement, so I asked the Chief at the time how we could help show our appreciation for everything they do.”

What the chief told them was he would love to see Guadalupe county get a 100 Club to take care of those who risk so much to protect, and care for, others.

Officer Justin Mendoza takes a break at Starcke park with his K-9 partner, Mike. While Mike is all business when on duty, he loves to snuggle with the family when he’s off work at home.

Since its debut, the 100 Club has provided annual grants to emergency response groups. These grants help provide life-saving equipment that their budget doesn’t cover, a cause most people would cite as the epitome of heroic.

“Sometimes, it may seem like we are not doing a whole lot, but when you see the result and the people we’ve helped, we know that what we are doing has a positive impact,” Mark said. “We gave Seguin police a grant for tourniquets one year, and then an officer saved a life using one –– it was an inspirational moment. It is nice to see that our actions go into a domino effect and help other people.”

The community’s donations help fund life-saving grants, which if not available would stop a beneficial chain reaction before it impacts the community.

“We haven’t had a fundraiser in a while,” Mark said. “Our biggest one was the McDonalds one that we put on once a year, but I don’t think we will be able to have it this year because of all of the things going on. It was our major fundraiser, so now we rely solely on donations and membership dues.”

The 100 Club stays alert, always seeking new ways to expand its ability to help the community. By benefitting local first responders the club shows them the community appreciates the sacrifices they and their families make every day. We gave Seguin police a grant for tourniquets one year, and then an officer saved a life using one –– it was an inspirational moment.kek “ ”