As we enter our 25^th Silver Anniversary Year, may I begin by thanking every member who has supported the goals and objectives of the 200 Club of Bergen County along this long but rewarding journey.  Since 1985 when the Club was organized by Mr. J. Fletcher Creamer and N.J. State Police Superintendent Clinton Pagano, we have grown from a nucleus of 80 members to almost 1,400.  That steady growth is no accident nor is it necessarily attributable to any one individual.  Rather, it has been the continued commitment of every Officer, Trustee, and Member who has graciously, proudly, and generously given of their time to help others.

May I also seize this occasion to thank my dear friend John R. Rinaldi who, in his eight years as President, brought the Club to a completely new plateau before his untimely and tragic passing in 2002.

Unlike other non-profit organizations, more than 85% of all revenue goes directly to support emergency services organizations and the families of police officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical technicians.  That, my friends, is a significant accomplishment!

The Appropriations Committee, established in 1998, has provided grant funding to sixty-three of the seventy communities in Bergen County.  Those funds have been allocated to purchase additional safety equipment; educational and training materials; and apparatus to enhance the ability of our public safety “servants” to better serve us. In just ten short years, the Club has awarded over $1,000,000 through this program.

And of course, our Scholarship Committee continues to recognize the children of our professional and volunteer emergency services personnel by annually awarding ten college scholarships. Over $1 million has been awarded since 1986.  Scholarship Committee Chairwoman Dana Martinotti continues to identify the brightest stars of our future and it is truly a breath of fresh air to witness the Scholarship Awards Ceremony each April. 

My predecessor, President Anthony Scardino, Jr., maintained a strong tradition and often remarked: “Our success is truly based on the continued support of our membership”.  To sustain that growth, I would ask you to recruit one new member this year.  A convenient membership application is available on the website.  Just think, if each of you can recruit one new member, the Club would double in size.  That potentially could translate into twenty college scholarships and double the amount of grants each year.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I truly thank you all for your continued support of the Club for without you, we could not continue to flourish and provide valuable assistance to those who risk their lives each and every day.