STANDING BEHIND THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO STAND BEHIND THE BADGE.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are ones that typically arise from potential new members or individuals who are seeking more information about the 100 Club. We hope they will help you gain a better understanding of who we are and what we do.
What is the history of the 100 Club of Wharton County?
The 100 Club of Wharton County was organized in 1978 by a group of concerned citizens that wanted to support their local law enforcement community. It is patterned after the 100 Club of Detroit, Michigan, which began in 1952. When a young officer was killed in the line of duty, Mr. William M. Packer contacted 100 of his friends and asked them to donate $100 each to a fund benefitting the fallen officer’s widow and unborn child. As a result, the fallen officer’s widow and child were provided for and the concept for the 100 Club was “born”. Since then, communities across America have joined in this noble effort.
What does the 100 Club of Wharton County do?
Our primary goal is to support the members of Wharton County’s law enforcement agencies. The following are the major things we do to accomplish that goal:
- Provide support and financial assistance to the families of Wharton County law enforcement personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty while protecting our lives and property. While money can never replace the loss of a loved one, the $100,000 death benefit we provide to each covered officer’s family can be extremely helpful in easing the financial burden associated with the tragedy.
- Provide Wharton County law enforcement personnel with life protecting equipment that cannot be secured through budgeted funds.
- Provide educational scholarships to men and women in Wharton County who choose law enforcement as their vocation.
- Express our appreciation for and honor Wharton County law enforcement personnel by hosting an annual Awards Banquet and acknowledging an outstanding officer, support personnel, and citizen of the year from each law enforcement department.
Why do we do it?
Although every member has their own reasons, most would agree that we do it as an expression of our gratitude for the job that every law enforcement officer does to make Wharton County a safe and secure place for our loved ones to live, work, and play.
Is the 100 Club part of a law enforcement agency?
No. The 100 Club of Wharton County is an independent, citizen based, nonprofit corporation formed to support our local law enforcement community.
How does the 100 Club raise the funds necessary to support law enforcement?
Funds are raised through individual and business memberships, donations, and our annual Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser. We do not use telemarketing fundraisers.
How do I join the 100 Club?
New members are always welcome and appreciated. There are several membership options available. Please click here for additional details.
When and where does the 100 Club hold meetings?
The 100 Club meets annually usually in January or February and includes a social hour, dinner, the business meeting, and an interesting speaker. The meetings are held at the El Campo Civic Center or the Wharton Civic Center. The location alternates each year. Details about the meeting will be announced in the winter newsletter, put in the Community Events Section of the local newspapers, and detailed on the “Save the Date” section of this website. All members are encouraged to attend and new members can join that night. Invitations are not mailed out in an effort to conserve postage expenses.
What is the Awards Banquet?
The annual Awards Banquet is hosted by the 100 Club to honor and acknowledge the efforts of Wharton County law enforcement personnel. All Wharton County agencies are invited to the banquet along with the 100 Club members. The evening includes a social hour, dinner, the awards presentations, and entertainment. The banquet is usually held early in the fall. The location alternates between the El Campo Civic Center and the Wharton Civic Center. Details about the banquet will be in the fall newsletter, area newspapers, and on this website under “Save the Date”. Invitations are not mailed in an effort to reduce postage expenses. All members are encouraged to attend as we join together in honoring those who keep us safe each day.
How long does my membership run and how do I renew it?
Lifetime memberships are just that, you are a member for life and no renewal is necessary. Annual memberships are for the calendar year. Invoices for annual membership dues are mailed out early in January each year.
How do I get a 100 Club Decal?
Lifetime members are given lifetime decals when they join the 100 Club. If your lifetime decals become worn or you replace your vehicle, we are happy to provide you with a replacement decal at your request. Annual members receive decals with their annual membership invoice. Should you purchase a new vehicle during the year, contact us at [email protected] and we will send you an additional decal.
Will a 100 Club decal keep you from getting a ticket?
The decal is an expression of support for those in the law enforcement community who put their life on the line daily to protect us.
How do I make a donation in honor/memory of someone?
Please send your memorial donation to our mailing address along with the following information:
- The name of the deceased or the person that you wish to honor.
- The name and address of the person you would like for us to send the memorial/honor card to.
- Your name as you want it to appear on the memorial/honor card along with your address, and contact information.
Do you have memorial donation envelopes that we can make available to friends and family that would like to honor our deceased loved ones by donating to the 100 Club?
Yes. Most Wharton County funeral homes have a supply of our memorial donation envelopes. However, if the funeral home does not have them, please contact Jimmy Triska at 979-543-3681 and he will get them to you.
Is my donation tax deductible?
The 100 Club of Wharton County, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, therefore your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. A copy of our tax ID number and IRS determination letter is available to donors upon request. As every donor’s situation is different and tax regulations are always changing, you should consult your financial planner or tax advisor to determine the exact tax advantages of any gift you are considering.
Do you sell or trade my personal information?
No
What scholarship opportunities are available from the 100 Club?
We provide scholarships for Wharton County students pursuing careers in criminal justice.
The 100 Club of Wharton County, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, therefore your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law.