By Rachael Lindley
In the wee hours of July 4th, torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to swell and rise 27 feet in 45 minutes in some areas. The floods swept away homes, vehicles, roads and trees, devastating communities along the river, including several youth camps and RV parks.
At least 107 people in Kerr County died in the floods, including 37 children. At the time of press, two people are still missing.
Upon hearing the news, my heart sank. The loss we feel in Texas runs deep.
However, I feel lucky to live in a city as generous as Fort Worth. In times of unimaginable loss, we remember how strong we are together. Our local businesses and community have continuously stepped up to heed the call of the Hill Country. Local restaurants and boutiques, large and small, raised money for donations for various charities.
Fort Worth and surrounding communities have joined forces, sending teams of people to assist in the recovery efforts in Kerr County. Whether it’s funds, candlelight vigils or pallets of supplies, Cowtown always rises to the occasion.
We’ve curated a list of some of the Fort Worthians and businesses that stepped up when our neighbors were in need.
Chef Tim Love
Fort Worth-based Chef Tim Love donated $20,000 to relief efforts through his Hats With Heart fundraiser, with half of the funds going to World Central Kitchen and the other half to M2G Ventures’ mental health initiative.
City Boots
Locally owned boot maker, City Boots, gave 100% of proceeds from all CITY Boots Heart Collection on July 9 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
Catherine Cartie
Artist Catherine Cartie has been gifting acrylic art blocks of her watercolor butterfly paintings to people and families who were affected by the flood. Butterflies are especially meaningful to Cartie, and she features them in her work often. With so many families grieving and needing comfort, she put out a call on her Instagram asking for names and addresses for anyone who was affected or knew someone who was affected by the floods and could use a butterfly. Originally, Cartie planned to give away butterflies until she ran out of stock, but there was such an outpouring of people who wanted them sent to loved ones that she couldn’t bear to turn anyone down. She sent out hundreds of butterflies all over the state and the country. Cartie is still collecting names and stories and sending them away to those who need them.
H-E-B
Texas’ favorite grocery store, H-E-B, has pledged $5 million in donations and is providing on-the-ground support, including mobile kitchens, gift cards, and supplies. They are also partnering with organizations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the American Red Cross.
Collins + Conley
Children’s Boutique Collins + Conley donated 10% of all sales, both in-store and online, to support flood relief efforts with the Annie Louise Foundation, helping all victims of the Guadalupe floods.
Josh Weathers
Singer and songwriter Josh Weathers hosted a benefit concert that raised over half a million in what started as a live stream. Weathers raised over $337,000 that night through donations, live auctions on Facebook and silent auctions. He even had to host a second online auction because there were so many donations of auction items. In the aftermath of the floods, Weathers has already paid for several funerals and even replaced RVs. People can donate to Weathers’ nonprofit, “Love Like You Mean It,” to help more.
Pat Green
Fort Worth’s own Pat Green hosted a Texas-sized livestream concert on July 16 at Globe Life Field. The show boasted performances and appearances by Josh Abbott, Ryan Bingham, Kaitlin Butts, Casey Donahew, Kevin Fowler, Miranda Lambert, Cory Morrow, Joe Nichols, Eli Young Band and more. Green decided to take action in the midst of his own grief after losing his brother, sister-in-law and their two sons in the July 4 flood. Over 20,000 people tuned in to show support, and the concert raised over $1 million.
Brooke Wright Designs
Brooke Wright Designs created a custom silk scarf, “Boots on the Guad,” available for pre-order ($125) on their website, where 100% of proceeds go directly to Camp Mystic in Kerr County, and the Eastland Family Fund. Shipping dates may be adjusted to meet demand.
Gather Goods
Jewelry maker Gather Goods raised $10,000 for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund from custom necklace sales.
Chef Jon Bonnell
Fort Worth restaurateur and Chef Jon Bonnell donated 10% of all his restaurant’s proceeds from Jul. 7 to 11 to flood relief, including counseling and food for first responders.
Second Rodeo Brewing
Second Rodeo Brewing donated 100% of proceeds on Jul. 9 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Esther Penn
West 7th boutique, Esther Penn donated 10% of online and in-store proceeds the week of Jul. 7 to 11.