Scholarships

The Chisholm Trail 100 Club is dedicated to supporting not only our First Responders but also their families.

Through the generosity of our donors and community partners, we are proud to offer scholarships that help dependents of First Responders pursue higher education and build brighter futures.

Whether supporting a graduating senior of an active First Responder or a child who has lost a parent in the line of duty, each scholarship reflects our ongoing mission — to stand beside those who stand for us.

Every donation helps us empower the next generation of leaders.

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Scholarship Opportunities:

Erinakes Family Scholarship

The Erinakes Family Scholarship supports the children of active First Responders within the Chisholm Trail 100 Club’s coverage area who wish to pursue higher education in any field of study.

This scholarship honors the commitment, service, and sacrifices of First Responders by helping their children follow their dreams.

Application Information

Applications for 2026 will be available in late January.

All applications must be received by March 31, 2026.

Click here to download the 2025 Scholarship Application

Each applicant will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee, and recipients will be announced in late April/early May; and recipients will be recognized at the Chisholm Trail 100 Club Annual Meeting.


Make a Difference

Every contribution to the Erinakes Family Scholarship Fund directly supports the educational goals of First Responder families.

Donate today — your dollars go twice as far to support the children of those who serve our community.


Scholarship Founder 

In 2026, Michael Erinakes continues his tenure as President of the Chisholm Trail 100 Club, a role that culminates 15 years of dedicated service to first responders. His background as a former police officer fuels his commitment to supporting over 1,900 personnel across Johnson, Somervell, and Hood Counties.

Leadership & Impact at Chisholm Trail 100 Club

Throughout his 15-year involvement, Erinakes has spearheaded the expansion of the "safety net" for those who protect the community:

  • Insurance Growth: Under his Tenure, line-of-duty accidental death and dismemberment benefits have doubled, rising from $50,000 to $100,000 in 2026.
  • Educational Support: In 2026, he oversaw the plan to increase the MAAD Hunter Venture Capital Group, Inc. Scholarship to $8,000 over four years ($2,000 per year), doubling the previous scholarship amount for the children of first responders.
  • Personal Involvement: Erinakes and his wife, Angie, frequently host the organization’s major fundraisers, such as the annual Clay Shoot VIP party, at their MAAD H Ranch.


Erinakes is an entrepreneur and professional big-game hunter whose career is marked by diverse industrial and investment ventures.

  • Early Career: Before his business success, he served as a police officer and spent 18 years in the commercial diving industry.
  • U.S. Underwater Services (1988–2006): He spent nearly two decades building this firm into a leader in commercial diving operations world wide.
  • Hunter Offshore (2004–2006): An offshore shipping company that operated five large supply vessels (180–240 feet) for the maritime industry.
  • Maad Hunter Productions (2008–2010): A media company that produced outdoor-themed television shows like Rocky Geared Up and Wardens for the Outdoor Channel.

Maad Hunter Venture Capital

Led by Erinakes, this private investment firm focuses on long-term growth across multiple sectors:

  • Diverse Portfolio: The firm manages significant interests in oil and gas,  and large-scale ranching operations in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
  • Philanthropic Integration: The company serves as the primary vehicle for Erinakes’ charitable contributions, specifically through the scholarship programs that support the families of Texas first responders.

John Calandro Chisholm Trail 100 Club Scholarship Fund

The John Calandro Scholarship Fund was created to assist the children of fallen First Responders within the Chisholm Trail 100 Club’s coverage area.

This fund ensures that when tragedy strikes, education and opportunity remain within reach. Funds may be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses required for course completion.

The Story Behind the Fund

The scholarship was inspired by John Calandro III, a financial planner from Merrill Lynch Dallas and a beneficiary of the 100 Club of Detroit.

At our 2014 Annual Meeting, John shared his story — how the 100 Club of Detroit supported his family after his father, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty when John was just five years old.

The Detroit 100 Club’s assistance allowed all three Calandro children to attend college, forever changing their lives.

Moved by his story, John challenged the Chisholm Trail 100 Club to start its own scholarship fund for the children of fallen heroes. He pledged to match the first $5,000 raised that night and another $5,000 the following month.

Thanks to the generosity of our members, both goals were nearly met — and the John Calandro Scholarship Fund was born.


Our Goal

The long-term goal of this fund is simple yet powerful:

To fully cover the cost of college for any child who loses a parent in the line of duty within our service area.

Each donation brings us one step closer to ensuring these children have the support they deserve.


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