Answering the call

Several Southeast Texas businesses, along with some national companies, have stepped up to support recovery efforts after catastrophic Fourth of July flooding along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.

The death toll from the flood exceeded 130, Gov. Greg Abbott reported at a July 14 news conference. Four of the victims were from Southeast Texas.

State and federal officials estimate between $18 and $22 billion in damages. The tally includes not only direct damage to structures, but also broader economic consequences like supply chain disruptions, power outages, road closures and tourism losses.

In response to the flooding, Giglio Distributing and sister event company GG Distributing in Tyler, announced solidarity with the impacted communities by contributing $10,000 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, according to a news release.

The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a public charity based in Kerrville,  reportedly supports urgent relief and long-term rebuilding after the devastating floods in Central Texas.

According to Stephanie Daleo, with Del Papa Community Engagement and Marketing, many of the team members, customers and friends have personal connections to the area, and the stories of lives lost and families shattered by this disaster “have touched all.”

“Our hearts are with the people of Kerr County and those grieving in our own community,” said Charles Giglio, president and CEO of Giglio Distributing. “When one Texas community hurts, we all hurt. With this support, we hope to carry a small part of the burden for those facing unimaginable grief.”

Giglio and GG Distributing join with their suppliers, MolsonCoors and Shiner Brewery, and distributor partners across the region in supporting the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and encourages others to contribute to the trusted relief organization managed by the Community Foundation for the Texas Hill Country in providing critical assistance.

Texas First Bank announced a $100,000 matching funds initiative to support the ongoing flood recovery efforts, according to a news release.

As part of the match, the bank would match every dollar donated to its Texas First Hill Country Flood Recovery Fund, up to $100,000, doubling the impact of each contribution. All funds were donated to Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) charity, which will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, as well as flood assistance for the cities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have suffered unimaginable losses. Along the Texas Gulf Coast, we are unfortunately no strangers to the devastating impacts that natural disasters have. That said, we also know the importance of community support during these times,” said Chris Doyle, president and CEO of Texas First Bank. “Texas First is committed to helping our neighbors in the Hill Country get back on their feet, and this matching fund is our way of amplifying the generosity of our community and ensuring that every donation goes further.”

ExxonMobil has contributed $500,000 to support immediate and long-term recovery efforts, according to company officials.

“Our hearts are with the families and communities impacted by this tragedy, and we commend the first responders, volunteers, and community leaders working tirelessly to support relief efforts,” stated company officials.

Funds have been directed to organizations leading critical work on the ground, including:

· Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

· American Red Cross

· West Texas Food Bank (as they coordinate with the San Antonio Food Bank to distribute food and supplies to impacted counties)

Also, Cheniere Energy Inc. announced a $500,000 donation to the first responders and community organizations. Additionally, Cheniere is offering a 3-time match on employee donations to select on-the-ground organizations to support recovery efforts.

Entergy Texas donated $30,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to aid recovery efforts. The foundation manages the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which helps provide rescue, relief, recovery services and flood assistance to impacted communities.

Several regional and national companies, with stores locally, are also contributing to flood recovery efforts:

• H-E-B, the Texas-based grocery chain, with its roots in the Hill Country, pledged $5 million, including funds for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

• Ford Motor Co. and Ford Philanthropy donated $1.25 million to local charities and organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

• Bank of America is donating $1 million to flood relief efforts, including $250,000 to the American Red Cross and $250,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

• The Wells Fargo Foundation donated $1 million for immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts.

• Raising Cane’s donated $1 million to support recover efforts

• Toyota Motor North America donated more than $600,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and is offering matching contributions, in-kind donations and volunteerism.

• AT&T contributed $200,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and matching employee contributions.

• Whataburger donated $100,000 to relief organizations in the affected areas.

• DoorDash is donating $1 for every order from Texas businesses to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s relief fund, up to $250,000, and is also donating $100,000 in credits to nonprofits assisting with recovery.

• The NFL Foundation, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans jointly donated $1.5 million to assist communities affected by the floods.

For more information or to learn how to help, visit cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201.

— Dannie Oliveaux | DannieOliveaux@The Examiner.com