When a hurricane hits our area, flooding ensues; roofs collapse trapping those inside the house; or fires break out due to downed power and ruptured gas lines.

People need immediate assistance. First responders who put their lives at risk for the greater good are on the scene as soon as safety is determined, confronting hazardous conditions to serve their community. Their actions prompted Collier County 100 Club to pose a critical question: “Who is there for the first responders?”

The nonprofit organization has made it its mission to offer financial assistance to first responders and their families in their time of need. With clubs already in place throughout the country, Sheriff Aubrey Rogers and his staff were approached in 1985 regarding the need to support the families of fallen officers, and a Collier County 100 Club was organized. Since then, the club’s funding has extended to support not only fallen first responders but those in various states of need.

Identifying recipients for assistance

Financial assistance is granted to first responders and their families, including fire and emergency medical services staff, Collier County Sheriff’s Department staff, Naples Police, Florida Wildlife officers and any state or federal law enforcement personnel assigned to Collier County. Funds are appropriated whenever an active first responder suffers a tragedy in the line of duty, said Emily Budd, Collier 100 executive director. “It doesn’t have to be an on-duty-related death,” she said. “We also grant for extreme medical challenges or when they are critically affected by natural disasters like the last hurricane.”

The process

“We rely on the agency commanders to make the recommendation to our board, which is comprised of 10 community members with Patrick O’Connor as president,” Budd said. “The commanders vet potential grantees according to what they perceive as a tragedy and then they submit a request detailing the circumstances on behalf of the first responder. The board votes on whether or not to make a distribution. Criteria are based on the fact that the agency chiefs have assessed the need and find it appropriate for this request.”

Funds are dispersed quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, with most grants amounting to $5,000.

Funding sources

Money is raised through annual memberships of $200 and $100 for first responders who donate to benefit their fellows. Donations from the community outside of the membership are accepted, as are donations to the Collier County 100 Club’s endowment fund.

“We rely on one of our board members to speak at local clubs and other venues about the need,” Budd said. “President O’Connor often takes that role, as does Tom Storrar, a retired Collier County Sheriff’s Office captain and a dedicated professional.”

In addition, a dinner open to the community is held annually. This year, it was held on March 19 at Naples Hilton hotel, with featured speaker retired Air Force four-star General Timothy M. Ray, former Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

“First responders sacrifice so much for our community, and they do so much for us; it’s a great opportunity for our community to recognize that they need support, as well,” Budd said. “And becoming a member or donating to the club is our chance to respond to their needs.”

What: Funding for first responders and families

Where: 3200 Bailey Lane, Suite 199, Naples

Membership information: collier100club.org, 239.262.0015 or admin@collier100club.org