HOUSTON -- Houston Texans star and Pewaukee native J.J. Watt provided a one-year update on the funds donated to victims of Hurricane Harvey and the numbers are astounding.
One Year Update pic.twitter.com/eSiOG4TT26 — JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2018
Hurricane Harvey, which struck Houston on the morning of Aug. 26, quickly became the most deadly and costly hurricane in American history after inflicting nearly $200 billion in damages and taking an estimated 88 lives.
During one of Houston's worst disasters, Watt was a shining light after raising $41.6 million for victims affected by Hurricane Harvey. His initial goal was $200,000, but he continued to gain more and more donations, allowing him to make that goal even higher.
More than rebuilding homes, Watt's donations made an impact on the Houston Food Bank and Feeding America, who both struggled to keep up the high demand for meals. After relief funds, an estimated 26 million meals were served.
Despite several injuries, including one that denied him the ability to walk, Watt found his own way to help Houston, a city that was in need of much more than a football player. He found a way to not only to inspire others but to inspire himself.
Watt went on to win the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his efforts in the Hurricane Harvey relief effort.
hereforthecookies70 on August 28th, 2018 at 02:14 UTC »
Every time someone is helped JJ's arms get a little bigger.
sonorousAssailant on August 28th, 2018 at 01:22 UTC »
Local Houston figures like JJ Watt and Mattress Mack deserve statues for what they did, seriously.
Zack on August 27th, 2018 at 23:36 UTC »
Watt tweeted a statement Monday morning saying funds have provided repairs to and the rebuilding of over 600 homes and 420 childhood centers. More than 26,000,000 meals have been distributed to families affected by the tragedy, and more than 10,000 patients have received medication.
Watt's GoFundMe began with a modest goal of $200,000 and wound up raising $41.6 million—a world record for a crowdsourcing effort. The funds have been distributed to All Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children and SBP.