William Janke survived the Kerrville floods and will perform at a daylong benefit concert at Jerry’s Place; donations will support families affected by the floods.
HOLLAND, Texas — After surviving a deadly flash flood in Kerr County earlier this month, one man’s terrifying escape is now rallying a Central Texas town to give back.
William Janke, a Belton native, and his girlfriend were asleep in their mobile home in Kerrville when the floodwaters surged in overnight. In a matter of minutes, the water was surrounding them.
“We had just enough time to get to the living room, open the door, and just see chaos,” Janke said. “Our vehicles were gone already.”
With water rising fast, the couple climbed out of a window and clung to a tree in the pouring rain.
“At first you think a helicopter or boat is coming… but the longer we waited, the more I realized—no one could get in,” Janke said. “So I told her, ‘Save your strength.’”
They held on for over an hour before a neighbor tied a rope around his waist and made his way through the flood to pull them to safety. Janke says they survived, but lost nearly everything they owned.
“It’s all gone. But we’re alive—and that means we have a responsibility to help the people who weren’t so lucky.”
Now, a local business is stepping in to help.
This Saturday, Jerry’s Place in Holland will host a 12-hour benefit concert with live music, food, raffles, and more — all to raise money for flood victims.
“After the flood, some musicians reached out to us and asked if we’d host something,” said James Shafer, whose family runs Jerry’s Place. “We were more than willing. Our family’s always believed in helping others—and this is a way to do just that.”
The daylong event will feature nine bands playing from 12:15 p.m. to midnight, with barbecue plates for sale, a bake sale, a silent auction, and raffles — including a 50/50 cash raffle and prizes donated by businesses and community members.
“There are people who can’t make it out here,” Shafer said. “That’s why several other locations across Central Texas are taking donations too. Whether it’s money, food, or clothes—every little bit helps.”
Organizers say they’re collecting both financial and physical donations to distribute to Kerr County and surrounding areas impacted by the flooding.
“If you are gonna bring donations, we ask for cleaning supplies, clothes, non-perishable items, water — things we can take to the communities that need them,” said Ashley Bartek, another volunteer. “It wasn’t just Kerrville that was impacted.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or canopies. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for those wanting to set up early before the music begins.
For those unable to attend the event in person, donations are also being accepted at partner locations across Central Texas. Organizers hope people will continue showing the same kind of support Kerrville once gave to others in their time of need.
“Last year we had a tornado here, and people from all over came to help us,” Shafer said. “Now it’s our turn to do the same.”
To learn more or find a donation site near you, visit this link.