In the wake of the Hurricane Harvey devastation, Houston Texans star defensive end, J.J. Watt has raised more than $10 million in relief funds for victims. Using the YouCaring crowdfunding platform, Watt began a fundraising campaign on Sunday, August 27, 2017 with the initial goal of raising $200,000. However, within just five days, the football star’s Harvey relief campaign has raised over 50 times its initial goal. Watt says the funds will go directly to victims and people that have been affected by the hurricane.
“I promise you that I will help these victims directly; I promise that we will help rebuild Houston,” details J.J. Watt to views on The Ellen Show. DeGeneres and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) donated $1 million to the crowdfunding campaign. Separately, Wal-Mart announced on Thursday it will pledge up to $20 million in cash and supplies to Harvey relief and recovery efforts.
In addition to their generous donation, the fund has also received major contributions from numerous celebrities, fellow NFL stars, and even President George H.W. Bush gave the crowdfund campaign a shout-out on Twitter, Inc. (NYSE: TWTR).
Watt has not yet announced his next fundraising target goal, but it is likely that the funds will start to be dispersed within the near term to those affected. The Houston Texans have assisted the star in promoting the crowdfunding effort and the team has announced they will dedicate the upcoming season to its city and the victims of the disaster.
Houston, Texas continues to reel from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. As of August 31, 2017, about one-third of still remains underwater and rescue teams still have much of the city to left to search for people needing help. In addition, around 37 people have been killed as a result of the natural disaster. Houston could continue to see some flooding in the coming day, but it appears the worst may be over.
Here is how you can donate to J.J. Watt’s YouCaring Harvey Relief crowdfund campaign and help victims of the hurricane:
