The Story Behind the Fund

The scholarship was inspired by John Calandro III, a financial planner from Merrill Lynch Dallas and a beneficiary of the 100 Club of Detroit.

At our 2014 Annual Meeting, John shared his story — how the 100 Club of Detroit supported his family after his father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty when John was just five years old.

The Detroit 100 Club’s assistance allowed all three Calandro children to attend college, forever changing their lives.

Moved by his story, John challenged the Chisholm Trail 100 Club to start its own scholarship fund for the children of fallen heroes. He pledged to match the first $5,000 raised that night and another $5,000 the following month.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, both goals were nearly met — and the John Calandro Scholarship Fund was born.

Our Goal

The long-term goal of this fund is simple yet powerful:

To fully cover the cost of college for any child who loses a parent in the line of duty within our service area.

Each donation brings us one step closer to ensuring these children have the support they deserve.