100 Club of Illinois' annual gala honors fallen first responders

Over 400 guests gathered at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago on Wednesday, Sept. 22, for the annual 100 Club of Illinois Raising Hope Awards Gala 2021.

Robb Tadelman, 17-year veteran of the McHenry County Sheriff's office and Chief of Operations, was among the distinguished supporters of the organization invited to speak at the event. Tadelman honored the 100 Club of Illinois for helping families of fallen first responders in McHenry County and across the state.

"On behalf of the McHenry County Sheriff's office, we would like to thank the 100 Club of Illinois for helping the families of our fallen first responders," Tadelman said. "In 2019, we lost Deputy Jake Keltner in the line of duty when he was shot and killed during a marshals task force callout. The 100 Club decided within a few short hours to not only assist our department and the Keltner family, but to add McHenry County to their coverage area. We are forever grateful for their support and partnership."

Tadelman went on to honor the fallen first responders who have gone before us and recognized the 100 Club of Illinois' movement toward better officer safety, wellness, and resilience.

For over 55 years, the 100 Club of Illinois has provided for families of fallen first responders.

Last March, the 100 Club expanded its reach to assist first responders and their families across the entire state of Illinois. To date, there are 80,000 first responders in Illinois. Funds raised at the Raising Hope Awards will allow the 100 Club of Illinois to provide resources, several forms of financial support, access to training, and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders throughout the state of Illinois.

For more information about the 100 Club of Illinois, visit www.100clubil.org.