Greene County 100 Club seeks donors to aid officers' families

The Greene County 100 Club is appealing to local businesses and individuals for funding, and the group started its 2010 push with a recent presentation in Republic.
 
Treasurer Bob Hammerschmidt presented information about the club and its fundraising goal - $200,000 for 2010 - during a March 16 breakfast event with the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce.

The group, which provides financial support to the surviving family members of police officers and firefighters killed in Greene County, is trying to increase awareness by educating the public and seeking founding memberships — donations of $1,000 annually for five years — as well as through smaller donations from individuals.

The group also is working on awareness through a Facebook page and appearances by club officers at seminars and local meetings.  

Since forming in 2006, the organization has raised about $150,000, according to Hammerschmidt, with an ultimate goal is $500,000 for an endowment that would allow continued payments.

President John Rush said the group responds immediately through its endowment. "Our policy is to give a check for $5,000 within 24 hours to the family," Rush said, noting that two checks have been presented in the last three years.

Greene County Sheriff's Department Officer Monte Ruby was attacked Aug. 2, 2008, as he helped Springfield Police Officers in the treatment of a criminal at Cox Hospital. Ruby died Aug. 6 from injuries in the attack.

Greene County Deputy Sheriff Gary McCormack was killed Oct. 6, 2007, in an automobile accident while responding to the scene of an accident.

More information is available on the organization Web site.

Read more about the Greene County 100 Club in the April 12 issue of Springfield Business Journal.