HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have donated $25,000 on behalf of the Houston Texans Foundation to the 100 Club Survivors Fund in honor of the four fallen Houston firefighters who lost their lives battling a hotel fire in southwest Houston on May 31.
"We are all deeply saddened by the tragic and unprecedented loss of our brave Houston firefighters," said Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes. "Their selfless and heroic service is an inspiration to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and the entire HFD family."
100 percent of Survivors Fund donations go to the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The 100 club has already made an initial $20,000 donation to the families for immediate expenses.
The 100 Club was organized in 1953 by Leopold L. Meyer, Ray R, Elliot, R.H. Abercrombie, William A. "Bill" Smith and Jim "Silver Dollar" West. One hundred people who contributed $100 each formed the initial base.
To date, over $39,173,852 has been collected and dispersed to surviving dependents, for special equipment, to educate officers, and to award outstanding officers and firefighters. To date, The 100 Club has provided families with gifts in excess of $15,711,699. The 100 Club currently covers firefighters and law enforcement officers in an 18 county area across southeast Texas.
They provide "line of duty" death benefits statewide to dependents of commissioned personnel with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, and Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, and institutional personnel with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The mission of the Houston Texans Foundation is to be Champions for Youth. Because of the belief that youth are the champions of our future, the Foundation is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life. Through its fundraising efforts, it supports and administers programs in education, character development and health and fitness to empower the next generation. The Foundation has also led the Houston community during times of crisis, raising funds for hurricane relief and recovery. It is committed to inspiring positive change within the Houston community. Since 2002, more than $20 million has been raised through their annual fundraising events, disaster response programs, United Way campaign and partnership with non-profit organizations on Texans gamedays.
