The original idea of the 100 Clubs was launched in 1950 when a concerned citizen in Detroit, Michigan decided to do something to help the expectant wife of a young police officer killed in the line of duty. This citizen, William Packer, wrote to 100 of his friends asking them to donate funds for the family, thus, the name of the club. In 1952 that club was incorporated as the first “Hundred Club”. There are now more than 100 active clubs throughout the nation. These include several other clubs in the Bay Area.

In 1974, the Alameda County 100 Club was founded by Martin Kauffman, a retired land developer. Martin had taken a trip to Chicago and was impressed when he learned about the 100 Club there. That same year, two young police officers were shot and killed at Oakland’s Madison Jr. High School. Without hesitation, Martin gave the two widow’s of the slain officers $1,000.00 each from his own pocket. He then got a group of friends together and formed the Alameda County 100 Club. One man’s vision, kindness and generosity has made a difference in many lives.