There was that fundraiser where members of the audience were asked to give a little to help and after a long line of people got up and pledged to personally give financial support and people who wrote checks on the spot, Micciche mounted the stage and promised he would go out and raise money from other people.

In other words, he didn't give anything himself.   He only 'promised' that he'd get 'other people' to give.

Did Micciche's aide make the mistake?

I doubt it.

From what we know of Micciche, it sounds exactly like something Micciche would attempt.