The Foundation introduced itself to Houston at a press conference with a message it has repeated without much variation ever since. The Houston Fire Department needs help providing much-needed life-saving equipment, and the public can supply it.
What made the claim credible was the structure behind it. A 501(c)(3) with a volunteer board, no paid staff, and a commitment to publish every purchase by vendor, date and amount.
Drawn from the Foundation’s own account of this story.