Following recent flooding in Kerrville, Texas, which resulted in loss of life and property damage, local restaurant Grape Juice and retired NFL player J.J. Watt collaborated on a community support effort. The floods affected the Guadalupe River area, and the restaurant, known for assisting first responders, received a $100,000 donation to its GoFundMe campaign from Watt and his wife, Kealia Ohai-Watt.
Daric Easton, owner of Grape Juice at 623 Water Street in Kerrville, told KPRC 2, "That was so kind of him and true to form with how J.J. is," expressing his appreciation for the couple’s generosity. As demand for their services increased, Grape Juice provided meals to those affected by the flooding to support recovery efforts. Locals continue to rely on the restaurant during this time.
Kerr County has been severely affected by the recent calamity, with the official death toll hitting 59, as swiftly rising waters claimed both lives and property in its wake, including those of 38 adults and 21 children.
The donation from the Watts aligned with Easton's statement to FOX 26 Houston: "If I keep making sandwiches, people can still be fed. If responders are fed, then they can save lives. And that's really the mantra we've just been, just keep making sandwiches." This reflects the ongoing efforts to provide support and aid in the aftermath of the disaster.
Watt’s past philanthropic efforts include a fundraising campaign that raised over $41.6 million to support victims of Hurricane Harvey. This campaign provided aid to Texans affected by the disaster and contributed to recovery efforts.
