The Hundred Club of Detroit
A Legacy of Quiet Philanthropy
Our Mission is to provide immediate, tangible support to the families of police officers, firefighters, and first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty —without fanfare, red tape, or delay. We are there for the families who sacrifice so much for our communities in the near term, as well as for years down the road through the Scholarship Fund, Annual Christmas Gifts, and Annual Widows and Children's Luncheon.
William Packer Sr.
Origins
The Hundred Club of Detroit is the very first of over 110 independent Hundred Clubs across the nation. It was born out of tragedy, compassion, and a deep belief that a community must stand by the families of its heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice.
In November 1950, Patrolman Andreas Mellert, a decorated Marine and rookie Detroit police officer, was killed in the line of duty while arresting a parole violator. At the time of his death, his wife Patricia was in the hospital expecting their first child. The following day, Detroit businessman William “Bill” Packer learned of Officer Mellert’s sacrifice through the Police Commissioner of Detroit. After discovering that Mrs. Mellert was left with limited insurance, a mortgage, and little income, Mr. Packer took immediate action. He sent letters to 100 friends and associates, asking each to contribute $100 to help the Mellert family. Within a week, $7,800 was raised. That money - and the spirit behind it - became the seed of something greater.
In 1952, the same group who had helped the Mellert family came to a difficult realization: Officer Mellert’s case was not unique. In a city as large as Detroit, with a growing metropolitan area, police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every day. Bill and his peers came together to form a permanent organization, initially with 100 founding members. The Club’s charter had a clear and unwavering mission: to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of fallen police officers and firefighters in the Metro Detroit area.
They named it The Hundred Club, in honor of those first 100 donors. By their first dinner meeting in December 1952, they had 197 paid-in members. Formed as a nonprofit corporation, the Club was designed from the beginning to be local, independent, and free of political influence. With the full support of Detroit’s Police and Fire Departments, and led by civilians with no personal agenda, The Hundred Club committed itself to helping families quietly, directly, and without delay.
Operations
The Club relies solely on the dues and donations of its members. We do not accept outside money, solicit for donations, or advertise in any way. There is no salary or financial gain for any Board Member. We have no paid Executives. Our staff consists of two faithful part-time employees, Nancy and Jamie.
Today, the Club is proudly led by Bill Packer III, grandson of founder William "Bill" Packer, alongside 11 volunteer Directors who generously donate their time. The goal has always been, and continues to be, to give away the money contributed by our members to the families of our community heroes who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe. We do so quietly in a dignified manner; realizing that we are not giving out charity but repaying a collective debt we owe as a community.
