The people of Houston have long supported J.J. Watt, so as the city reels from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, the NFL star is doing what he can to offer support.
Watt started the “Houston Flood Relief Fund” Sunday on YouCaring, and within the first hour, more than $140,000 had been raised to help the city and its people. Now 24 hours later, Watt’s campaign has raised more then $600,000.
That includes a $50,000 donation from Rockets’ guard Chris Paul.
With his fundraising effort off to a roaring start, Watt raised the goal on Monday to $1 million.
“There are so many people that are going to need our help. There are so many people that are going to need these funds to help rebuild their families, their houses, their communities,” Watt said on Twitter. “I can’t thank you enough, and I can’t encourage you enough to help spread the word.”
Hit $500k within 24 hours.
I’ve raised the goal to $1 million.
Incredible to witness people coming together for the greater good of humanity pic.twitter.com/ZGllA96pwD— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 28, 2017
In the video announcing his fundraising plans, Watt said,
“I’m sitting here watching the news and checking the internet and seeing everything that’s going on with Hurricane Harvey and the damages its causing back at home. It’s very difficult. It’s very difficult not only because we have family and friends back there. Some guys have young kids. Some guys have wives and families. That’s our city. It’s very tough to watch our city get hit by such a bad storm and not be there to help, not be there to help with the recovery, not be there to help with the process. It’s very tough so what I do want to do is start a fundraiser.”
The power of social media. The power of sports.
If you’d like to chip in on Watt’s page to help with the city’s relief efforts, visit YouCaring.
