WORCESTER — In what was more a celebration of a culture of care and support than a fundraiser, the community came together Thursday at the Wachusett Brew Yard for the 100 Club of Massachusetts.
Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 member Andrew Staruk, one of the 100 Club’s most prolific fundraisers, served as the primary organizer of the Boots and Badges event. To date, Firefighter Staruk has raised more than $180,000 for the 100 Club of Massachusetts and will participate next month in the 10th Annual BFit Challenge powered by National Grid, where he hopes to surpass the $200,000 mark.
Staruk began his fundraising efforts following the line-of-duty deaths of Worcester Firefighters Christopher Roy in 2018 and Jason Menard in 2019.
“The most meaningful thing I do is serve as a firefighter for my city, and the second most meaningful thing I can do is support my fellow first responders and their families,” Staruk said. “The 100 Club has been there for countless families over the years, and we are all keenly aware of our responsibility to support the organization, because on any given shift, it could be my family they are called to support.”
Boots and Badges featured raffles for local restaurants, spa packages, and other donated items from area businesses, as well as a First Responder Musical Bingo game. Proceeds from the event—including all raffle proceeds and $1 from every beer poured—will go directly to the 100 Club of Massachusetts.
Founded in 1959, the 100 Club of Massachusetts provides immediate and ongoing financial and emotional support—often within 24 hours—when a police officer or firefighter is killed in the line of duty. Over the past decade, the organization expanded its mission to also provide immediate financial assistance to families who have lost a loved one in non–line-of-duty or off-duty incidents. The organization recently appointed its first Executive Director, Tracie Hines, to help ensure this vital work continues for generations to come.
“This organization’s mission couldn’t be closer to my heart,” Hines said. “My husband is a Lynn firefighter, and my family includes many in law enforcement, so I share a kinship and a deep understanding with our 100 Club members and the community.
“In 2025 alone, the 100 Club was called to assist 12 families. Our goal is simple: never let anyone down. We must always be ready when the next family experiences a loss, and unfortunately, we know there will always be another family in need.”
News outlets, broadcast-quality video from the event is attached for your use.
Media Assets are available and include:
- Andrew Staruk, who has raised over $180 for the 100 Club of Massachusetts since 2018.
- He expects to go over 200k in the upcoming Bfit challenge.
- Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 member Terry Baudin talking about his work and the importance of the 100 Club of Massachusetts.
- Michael Papagini Local 1009 and Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, on the importance of the 100 Club
- The 100 Club’s Sandra Montesino on the 100 Club’s mission.
- Nat sound and b-roll
About The Hundred Club of Massachusetts
No police officer or firefighter who dies — whether in the line of duty or not — should ever be forgotten. Since 1959, the Hundred Club of Massachusetts has been the state’s wholly dedicated charity supporting the families of our fallen heroes. The Hundred Club gives an unequivocal and unconditional promise to police officers and firefighters in Massachusetts that in the event they lose their life we will remain with their families, compassionately caring for them for the rest of their lives, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten. The Hundred Club of Mass., Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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