2025 reminded us, once again, why The Hundred Club exists.
It reminded us that behind every uniform is a human being. A parent. A partner. A child. And behind every active-duty death is a family whose life is forever changed in a single moment.
This year alone, your generosity helped The Hundred Club provide direct financial support to families of fallen first responders across Massachusetts. For those who lost a loved one in the line of duty – the support lasts a lifetime. That meant mortgages kept current, tuition covered, medical bills paid, groceries on kitchen tables — and, most importantly, a measure of stability during the most unthinkable time of their lives.
It also represents something harder to measure — dignity.
One of the most powerful moments this year came when a young widow shared publicly how The Hundred Club helped her continue honoring the memory of her husband, fallen Waltham police officer Paul Tracey. She spoke not just about financial assistance — but about how knowing this community stood beside her helped her keep his legacy alive. That story is one of many. And each one is sacred.
Some families we support are suddenly raising children alone. Some are walking through their first year without the person who once held their family together. Some are quietly facing the holidays with an empty chair at the table.
What all of them share is this: none of them expected to need us — and none of them should have to face this alone.
And because of you, they don’t.
Your generosity this year allowed us to respond immediately when tragedy struck — not weeks later, not after paperwork, not after delays. Immediate help. Immediate reassurance. Immediate action.
As we enter this season of giving, we ask you to consider making a year-end gift to The Hundred Club — not as a transaction, but as a statement of solidarity with the families who sacrifice everything in service to the rest of us.
Your tax-deductible gift ensures:
- Emergency financial assistance for surviving families
- Ongoing support for spouses and children
- Educational needs for the children of fallen heroes
- Long-term stability for families left behind
There is no dollar amount that replaces a loved one. But there is a powerful kind of relief that comes when a family knows their community has not forgotten them.
This year proved what is possible when people care deeply and act generously.
As we look ahead to a new year, your support ensures that no family will ever stand alone in their darkest hour.
With profound gratitude,
Tracie Hines, Executive Director
The Hundred Club of Massachusetts
P.S. Even with strong membership support, our work is not fully funded without year-end contributions. Your gift today ensures that we enter the new year ready to respond immediately when a family needs us most.
P.P.S. WBZ/CBS News Boston featured the Hundred Club this month in a moving feature story honoring fallen Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey. The moving piece not only shared Paul’s life and legacy, but also shared how the Hundred Club was able to support his widow and family in the immediate aftermath and beyond. Check it out on CBSNews.com!