As many Texans were gearing up for July 4 festivities, devastating flash floods in Kerr County tragically impacted hundreds, resulting in over 100 lives lost and many more individuals still unaccounted for.
The aftermath has left families shattered and homes destroyed, presenting overwhelming challenges for the small Hill Country communities affected.
Those observing the devastation feel a poignant sense of helplessness, witnessing the courage displayed by first responders and hearing the heartbreaking accounts of survivors, including children.
Though the community’s grief is profound, there exist ways to contribute and provide support to those in need.
Organizations such as the American Red Cross and Mercy Chefs have stepped in to supply essential provisions like food and shelter to those affected.
However, the path to recovery will be long, and currently, the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund actively accepts monetary donations that will be allocated directly to the impacted communities.
Amidst the chaos, local restaurants in Houston have begun to mobilize and devise plans to assist. Many have already initiated fundraising campaigns through various innovative means, including proceeds from specific menu items and donating an entire day’s profits to worthy organizations.
In light of this need, a compilation of Houston-area businesses engaged in special fundraising initiatives has emerged, showcasing their commitment to aiding the Central Texas communities in this critical time.
Among the notable efforts is the Southern Smoke Foundation’s recent announcement of providing no-cost counseling sessions for food and beverage workers through its Behind You mental health program in collaboration with the University of Houston.
This initiative marks the foundation’s position as a second-phase responder in what promises to be a sustained relief endeavor.
Launching on August 15, the Texas Hill Country Fund will enable food and beverage workers affected by the floods to assess and address their specific needs.
Eligible applicants include bar and restaurant workers, farmers, ranchers, and winemakers, with an existing emergency relief application in place for those requiring immediate assistance for medical or funeral expenses.
Bayou Heights Biergarten, located at 3905 Washington Avenue, and Heights Bier Garten, at 1433 N. Shepherd, are stepping up by donating 100% of earnings from every Eureka Heights Buckle Bunny beer sold on July 13 to the Kerr County Relief Fund.
Duck N Bao, with locations across Houston, commits to donating $1 from every order of its Pork Soup Dumplings for the remainder of July to Mercy Chefs, exemplifying the community spirit.
KP’s Kitchen, with locations at 5427 Bissonnet and 8412 Katy Freeway, will conduct a second round of profit sharing on July 12, following a successful event on July 6 that generated $2,000 for Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Owner Kerry Pauly emphasizes that the team is now better prepared to accommodate the enthusiastic support from the community, pledging to donate 100% of profits from customer tabs and 20% of all gift card sales.
Lazy Dog Restaurants plan to host a special disaster relief fundraiser on July 16 at participating stores across Texas, committing to donate 100% of net profits to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts.
There are three locations within the Houston area situated in Cypress, Richmond, and Stafford.
In addition, the restaurant Mutiny in the Heights, at 1124 Usener, will contribute $1 for every glass and $5 per bottle, along with $75 for each case of wine sold throughout July to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Pier 6, located at 113 6th in San Leon, and Fish Company Taco, at 1914 23rd in Galveston, will similarly donate 100% of proceeds from sales of Texas Lemonade to the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund.
Pincho Burgers + Kebabs will also join the relief effort by donating all proceeds from the sale of its New Latin Bowl and El Jefe Bowl at every Houston location on July 12 to Mercy Chefs.
PKL Social, located at 1112 Shepherd, will contribute 100% of sales from its Mamacita cocktail on July 13 to the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, a Houston nonprofit providing mental health counseling for families affected by the Kerr County tragedy alongside ongoing mental health care in the Houston community.
P. Terry’s Burger Stand promises to donate 100% of sales from all 36 locations on July 10 to the Austin Disaster Relief Network, including three locations in the Houston area situated in Spring and Richmond.
Rainbow Lodge at 2011 Ella Boulevard will feature a special Hill Country Burger for its Burger Friday special on July 11, contributing $3 from each $17 burger to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Traveler’s Cart at 1401 Montrose Boulevard and Traveler’s Table at 520 Westheimer will also donate a portion of their sales over the week to ongoing relief efforts.
Closing out the list, Trill Burgers, located at 6810 Louetta and 3607 S. Shepherd, will donate 100% of their profits on July 9 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Additionally, Twin Peaks across Texas is set to contribute portions of their sales on July 14 and July 15 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which oversees the Kerr County Relief Fund.
Finally, WILD Heights, at 2121 N. Shepherd, and WILD Montrose, at 1609 Westheimer, will donate 100% of proceeds from the sale of their Maui Mango drinks on July 9 to a fundraiser organized by Texas hemp businesses in Austin.
These collective efforts showcase the resilience and unity of the Texas community as they band together to aid those impacted by the disaster in Kerr County.
image source from：houstonpress
