Think football players can’t make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people? Think again.
The foundation of Houston Texans star JJ Watt announced today it has raised $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, making its crowd-sourced fundraiser the largest in history.
Watt said the money has been used to fix and rebuild more than 600 homes and 420 childcare centers in the Houston area. The funds have also been used to distribute more than 26,000 meals and provide health care to more than 6,500 people.
It has been one year since the Category 4 hurricane made landfall at Houston, inflicting $125 billion in damage.
During one of Houston’s worst disasters, Watt was a shining light who set an initial goal of $200,000. He raised $3.2 million in just a week.
Watt said on Monday he has disseminated the $41.6 million to eight groups involved in rebuilding Texas, including All Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children.
“As I reflect on the events of Hurricane Harvey one year ago, the memories of destruction and devastation remain, but they are accompanied by memories of hope, selflessness and the beauty of the human spirit,” Watt said in a statement released by the Justin J. Watt Foundation. “I was fortunate enough to witness that generosity first hand, as the fundraiser that I started with a simple goal of $200,000 turned into an unbelievable outpouring of support from people all around the globe.”