J.J. Watt raises goal for Houston Hurricane relief to $1.5 million
J.J. Watt’s fundraising efforts to raise money for relief efforts in the devastating wake of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area has paid incredible dividends. And with each fundraising goal being easily reached, the Houston Texans superstar has once again raised the bar.
Watt originally took to Twitter Sunday to post his message calling for donations to the Houston Flood Relief Fund page he organized on YouCaring.com.
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
Watt originally aimed to raise $150,000 for relief efforts. Once that goal was eclipsed, Watt raised it to $500,000. Watt then took to Twitter to announce the goal was bumped up to to $1 million.
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
Watt continued to provide updates on progress made on the fundraising front throughout Monday, including how the goal has now been bumped up to $1.5 million.
Over $800k in 26 hrs
The compassion & generosity of people in times of need is truly remarkable.
We must keep going!https://t.co/WAJk7vpN3X— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 28, 2017
$1 MILLION!
New Goal: $1.5 Millionhttps://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/YUzbCLWgBa
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 29, 2017
It’s fantastic to see Watt using his reach, influence and fame to help out his adopted hometown. Several Houston sports organizations have also stepped up with huge donations as well.
But with the total lives lost still an unknown, countless residents losing everything and untold destruction — rebuilding efforts are expected to require years — there remains a tremendous need to raise as much money as possible. Kudos to Watt for doing so much on that front.