J.J. Watt

Photo: Brett Coomer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Here’s How J.J. Watt Reached $30 Million for Hurricane Harvey Relief

by Jacquari Harris
| September 9, 2017 2:48 pm CDT

J.J. Watt is known as the Houston Texans’ All-Pro defensive end, but off the field he’s making a name for himself as a hard-hitting philanthropist. On Aug. 27, Watt launched his Hurricane Harvey flood relief fund with an initial goal of $500,000 through the crowdfunding web site YouCaring. But as the donations poured in, and Harvey’s aftermath was seen, the fundraising goal was incrementally increased which has led to $30 million raised to date.

With Watt donating $100,000 of his own money, celebrities, TV networks and ordinary Americans wanted do their part and contribute to Hurricane Harvey relief. Drake donated $200,000. The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon donated $1 million, while Charles Butt, H-E-B Chairman and CEO, personally donated $5 million.

However, regular citizens have also made a huge impact on Watt’s fundraising initiative. As of Friday, over 197,000 donors have contributed to what now stands as $30 million raised for Watt’s flood relief fund.

If you would like to donate to Watt’s flood relief fund, you can click here to make your donation.