
Celebrities and Texas corporations have donated millions of dollars to help Texas flood victims.
SAN ANTONIO — Celebrities and major corporations have announced generous donations to help victims of flooding in the Texas Hill Country, where at least 59 people have died in the aftermath of the July Fourth natural disaster.
More than $15 million has already been donated as word of the tragedy ripples across Texas and the rest of the country.
AT&T
Dallas-based AT&T is contributing $200,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, the company announced in a press release.
The company is also matching all employee contributions to the fund and has mobilized disaster recovery teams to help restore connectivity in the area, the release states.
Bank of America
The Bank of America announced it is committing $1 million in support of flood relief efforts in Texas.
In a breakdown of finances, officials said they will be giving $250,000 to the American Red Cross and $250,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The bank is currently working with community leaders to determine how best to use the remaining $500,000.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys made a $500,000 donation to support victims of the deadly flooding in Central Texas, the team announced.
“Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as all of those lost and their loved ones,” the team said in a statement.
DoorDash
DoorDash officials said they will be committing $350,000 to relief efforts for those families impacted by the Texas floods. The donation will support families, first responders, dashers and small businesses in the region.
Door Dash is also making a $1 contribution for every order from Texas merchants, up to $250,000, which will go to The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Frost Bank
Frost’s Hill Country financial centers are directing a grant of $500,000 from the Frost Bank Charitable Foundation to the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and other flood-relief efforts.
The grant is made on the behalf of Frost Hill Country operations, according to Market President Kevin Thompson.
H-E-B
“No store does more” is not just a company slogan at H-E-B. The Texas-based grocer H-E-B just announced a donation of $5 million being made for Texas flood recovery.
In addition to the monetary gift, H-E-B is providing on-the-ground meals, volunteers and supplies in the impacted communities.
“For 120 years, the Butt family has proudly called Kerrville home,” said Howard Butt III, H-E-B CEO. “Our hearts ache for the children, families, and communities facing tremendous loss throughout Texas in the wake of these floods. Our Partners have big hearts, and we will continue to support our neighbors. H-E-B and our dedicated Partners are here to help.”
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are also supporting Texans impacted by the devastating floods that swept through Texas over the Fourth of July weekend.
The organization said they are committing $1 million toward immediate and long-term recovery efforts in the region.
The funding will support emergency response needs and continue into rebuilding efforts focused on youth initiatives.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans announced Saturday they are committing $500,000 to provide support and resources to those impacted by the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country communities.
“We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured,” the team’s owners wrote on social media.
James Avery
James Avery, whose hometown is in Kerrville, announced they are donating $1 million to support the community on their road to recovery.
In addition from now until August 4, 100% of their proceeds from the “Deep in the Heart of Texas” charm will be donated to relief efforts for Kerrville and surrounding areas.
James Avery said the charm represents the “pride and resilience of our state.”
“To all those affected, we send our love, strength, and heartfelt prayers. And to the first responders and neighbors who have stepped in with open hands and open hearts, we offer our deepest gratitude.”
JJ Watt
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year and his wife Kealia reportedly donated $100,000 to support meal deliveries for those impacted by the Kerr County floods.
A local Kerrville restaurant, Grape Juice posted a GoFundMe link where the top donation remains JJ Watt and his family.
Kendra Scott
Texas-based jewelry retailer Kendra Scott announced a donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, aiming to help families and communities as they begin the difficult process of recovery.
“Texas is our home, and we stand with our neighbors during this difficult time,” Kendra Scott said in a post to Facebook. “We are devastated by the recent flooding in Kerrville and throughout Central Texas, and the heartbreaking and unimaginable loss experienced by so many.”
In addition to the monetary donation, the company’s foundation announced it will donate 100% of the proceeds from all sales of its Everlyne bracelets to the recovery efforts.
NFL Foundation
In addition, the NFL Foundation announced they will be also be donating $500,000. Which means that between the two Texas NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, and with the addition of the NFL Foundation, $1.5 million is being donated to provide immediate assistance and long-term resources to those impacted by the devastating flooding.
Raising Cane’s
The Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to help the communities impacted by the devastating Fourth of July floods.
“Our hearts break as we witness the devastating impact of the flooding in Kerrville and the surrounding communities. We’re deeply saddened by the lives impacted and the loved ones lost, and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone impacted,” Graves said. “We’re sending prayers and strength to everyone impacted by this disaster and are grateful for the heroic efforts of first responders and organizations like the American Red Cross for providing critical support and aid to those in need.”
The restaurant chain has been operating in Texas for more than 20 years with hundreds of restaurants across the state.
San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks & Houston Rockets
To help the area recover from this tragedy, the San Antonio Spurs have joined forces with fellow Texas NBA teams, the Rockets and the Mavericks, along with the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA, to provide financial support for relief efforts in the Hill Country with a $2 million donation.
Shakira
Shakira said she will be donating a portion of the proceeds from Saturday’s San Antonio show to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, a group that’s directly helping victims of the flooding in the Texas Hill Country. The Latino superstar made her announcement on social media right before her show Saturday.
Shiner Beer
Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, is contributing $100,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
“Our hearts are with the Kerr County community and all those affected as they recover from these floods,” Tom Fiorenzi, Shiner’s director of brewery and distillery operations, said. “As a fellow small town, we in Shiner feel a deep need to stand with those affected and offer our support. We also want to give a huge thank-you to all the first responders and volunteers who have worked over the last several days to support the community.”
Toyota
Toyota announced they will provide $600,000 to support those impacted by the flash floods in Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend.
This donation is a combined effort by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), Toyota Financial Services (TFS), Gulf States Toyota (GST), Southeast Toyota (SET), Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne and Toyota and Lexus dealers nationwide.
“When disasters like this occur, it’s important to help our neighbors and communities in their time of need,” Ted Ogawa, chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America said. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy. Thank you to the first responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to assist on the front lines.”
USAA
USAA has also committed $500,000 in philanthropic grants to help with search and recovery efforts and will activate employee volunteers to serve local communities.
“The destruction and loss we are seeing in Texas is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones and those who are still waiting to hear news,” said Juan C. Andrade, President & CEO of USAA. “We have been part of this community for more than 100 years and we will show up with action, compassion and a willingness to help our neighbors and our members recover and rebuild. We are grateful to first responders for their ongoing and tireless efforts.”
Verizon
Verizon is donating $100,000 to support Texas Search and Rescue. The cellular company is also waiving domestic call, text and data usage from July 7 through August 3 for customers in 28 affected Central Texas counties.
The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team has provided low-earth orbit satellite devices to aid the Texas Department of Public Safety’s drone search and recovery operations.
“Our hearts go out to those impacted by the heartbreaking scale of the Central Texas floods,” said Michelle R. Miller, Senior Vice President at Verizon. “We are committed to providing the resources and connectivity our neighbors need for safety and recovery. This donation and relief offer are how we can help when it matters most.”
Walmart
Walmart, along with Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation, are also stepping up to support communities in South Texas following the devastating floods.
They have committed up to $500,000 in grants and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in the region. This includes up to a $250,000 match of customer and member donations, that can soon be made online or in-stores and clubs in Texas, through the Walmart and Salvation Army match campaign.
They are also providing essential resources including:
- Operation BBQ Relief is offering free hot meals beginning July 7 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter in Kerrville (Store #508),
- Tides Loads of Hope laundry trucks and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart will be deployed to the area.
- Walmart and the Walmart Foundation funded local partners including the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army with food, water and other supplies.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation our associates, friends and neighbors in Texas are facing, especially the families of those who have lost loved ones,” John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S. “We’re working hand-in-hand with local leaders and first responders to ensure help reaches those who need it most.”
“Our hearts go out to the families, associates and members affected by this disaster,” said Chris Nicholas, President and CEO, Sam’s Club. “We will stand by the Kerrville community and help provide the resources and support they need as they recover and rebuild.”