100 Club supports area's first responders (Posted Thu 08:00 am)
Months of preparation were put into motion Aug. 11 when several Johnson County, Texas business and community leaders publicly launched the area's first support organization for police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
The Burleson Star reported in March when the Chisholm Trail 100 Club was collecting its first members and organizing a board of directors.
The 100 Club originated in 1953 when four Houston businessmen organized 100 people to commit at least $100 dollars annually to help the family of a local police officer killed in the line of duty. Today, the Houston 100 Club has almost 30,000 members and provides cash, debt settlement, counseling and college grants for family members of emergency responders disabled or killed in the line of duty.
100 Club secretary Melissa Zaborowski is responsible for planting the seed for the formation of the group in the area. Zaborowski lived in Houston when a family friend and police officer was killed. She saw how the Houston 100 Club helped sustain officer's family both financially and emotionally. When Zaborowski moved to Johnson County, she began speaking with area community leaders about forming a local chapter of the 100 Club
The Chisholm Trail 100 Club hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Houston group and other Texas community that have started 100 Clubs. It is still collecting its first 100 members.
The strength of the group was tested during the meeting at the First National Bank of Burleson's community room. Even though the group is in its infancy, it issued its first check to the family of an injured community servant.
Grandview Police Officer David Dunaway, 35, is rehabilitating from injuries he received in an automobile accident which occurred in June when Dunaway responded to a Johnson County Sheriff Deputy's call for assistance during a disturbance. Dunaway lost control of his squad car and struck a tree.
Chisholm Trail 100 Club first vice-president Bruce Basden, CEO of Basden Steel in Burleson, said the check presentation to Grandview Police Chief Jerry McGlasson for the Dunaway family was "bittersweet."
"I am glad we are able to support the family, but I am saddened that one of our brave needs help," Basden said.
Basden also said he wished the Chisholm Trail 100 Club could give more, but the new group has limited funds.
"I can assure you that the amount of this check is not as valuable as the heart behind it and what it will mean to the Dunaway family knowing the community is behind them," McGlasson said to the audience as he accepted the check.
The name of the group was the Johnson County 100 Club at the beginning of the year, but the board decided on the name Chisholm Trail 100 Club to encompass a wider territory.
Justin Bond, a club director and Chesapeake Energy manager, conducted a presentation at the meeting emphasizing the need for the community to become involved by enrolling in the club.
"Right now, we are focusing on first responders in Johnson County," Bond said. "We would eventually like to expand outside our county and our name reflects that."
For full story, check out the August 18 edition of the Burleson Star. To receive current hometown news everyday, subscribe on this website by clicking the My Star link on the the left or by calling: 817-295-0486.
By CHRISTOPHER AMOS |
