While many of us were preparing for backyard barbecues and fireworks displays to celebrate July 4 last Friday, hundreds of our fellow Texans in Kerr County were facing a flash flood that took the lives of over 100 people, with many more still missing. Families have been destroyed and homes have been swept away. The devastation that these small Hill Country communities are facing almost seems impossible to overcome.
Those of us watching the tragedies unfold each day feel helpless. We see the bravery of the first responders. We hear the stories of survivors, many of them children. Our hearts break for the families who have lost loved ones forever. And yet, we just don't know what to do.
There are organizations like the American Red Cross and Mercy Chefs that are providing immediate necessities like food and shelter for those who have been affected. However, the recovery will be ongoing for years. Currently the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is accepting monetary donations that will go directly to the communities that are suffering.
In Houston, local restaurants are scrambling to find ways to help and many have already raised funds through various avenues, whether it's the proceeds from a specific menu item or donating an entire day's profits to aid organizations.
For those who can give directly, money is the best way to help. However, there are other ways to participate in the fundraising. Here's a list of Houston area businesses so far that are running specials or hosting events to help Central Texas communities and families in their time of great need. We will add to the list as more restaurant specials come in.
We begin with the Southern Smoke Foundation's recent announcement that it is providing no-cost counseling sessions for food and beverage workers through its Behind You mental health program in partnership with the University of Houston. SSF is a second-phase responder in what will be a long-term relief process. To allow food and beverage workers who have been affected by the floods to assess their needs, Southern Smoke Foundation is launching its Texas Hill Country Fund August 15. Eligible applicants include bar and restaurant employees, farmers, ranchers, winemakers and more. For those who need immediate assistance for medical or funeral costs, SSF has an existing emergency relief application as well.
The Maui Mango will refresh and raise money. Photo by Steve Cromer" class="uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle"> click to enlarge
The Maui Mango will refresh and raise money.
Photo by Steve Cromer
Bayou Heights Biergarten, 3905 Washington Avenue, and Heights Bier Garten, 1433 N. Shepherd, will donate 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of every Eureka Heights Buckle Bunny beer to the Kerr County Relief Fund July 13.
Duck N Bao, all three locations, will donate $1 from every order of its Pork Soup Dumplings through the end of July to Mercy Chefs.
KP's Kitchen, 5427 Bissonnet and 8412 Katy Freeway, is doing a second round of profit sharing July 12. Its July 6 event for Kerr County Flood Relief Fund raised $2,000. It was so successful, customers had to be turned away. This time, owner Kerry Pauly says the team is better prepared for the onslaught of community support. Both locations will donate 100 percent of profits on guests' tabs, plus 20 percent of all gift card sales.
Lazy Dog Restaurants will host a special disaster relief fundraiser July 16 at participating Texas stores in Houston and Dallas. The company will donate 100 percent of net profits to the American Red Cross Disaster relief. There are three locations in the Houston area in Cypress, Richmond and Stafford.
Mutiny in the Heights, 1124 Usener, will donate $1 for every glass, $5 for every bottle and $75 for every case of wine sold through the rest of July to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
Pier 6, 113 6th, in San Leon, and Fish Company Taco, 1914 23rd, in Galveston, will give 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of Texas Lemonade to the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund.
Pincho Burgers + Kebabs is donating 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of its New Latin Bowl ($11.99) and El Jefe Bowl ($11.99) at its four Houston locations to Mercy Chefs.
P. Terry's Burger Stand is contributing 100 percent of its sales from all 36 locations, July 10 to the Austin Disaster Relief Network. There are three Houston area locations in Spring and Richmond.
Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Boulevard, will offer a special Hill Country Burger ($17) for its Burger Friday special July 11 with $3 from each burger going to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. The burger is a blend of bison, elk and beef ribeye topped with chili-fried onion strings and barbecue sauce.
Traveler's Cart, 1401 Montrose Boulevard, and Traveler's Table, 520 Westheimer, will donate a portion of sales through the week to ongoing relief efforts.
Trill Burgers, 6810 Louetta and 3607 S. Shepherd, is donating 100 percent of profits July 9 to Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
WILD Heights, 2121 N. Shepherd, and WILD Montrose, 1609 Westheimer, will donate 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of its Maui Mango July 9 to a fundraiser organized by Texas hemp businesses in Austin. It includes the virgin or infused drink.