George Strait and Tom Cusick Donate $25,000 to Hill Country Flood Victims

Governor Abbott presented $25,000 checks to Hill Country flood victims from the "Strait to the Heart" benefit concert, hosted by George Strait and Tom Cusick. The funds will help families recover from severe storm damage and home losses. Governor Abbott met with affected families, assuring them of state support for rebuilding and recovery.

Governor Greg Abbott presented $25,000 checks to Hill Country flood victims from the "Strait to the Heart" benefit concert, hosted by country music superstar George Strait and his business partner, Tom Cusick. The funds, totaling $7 million, will help families recover from severe storm damage and home losses. The event took place on July 27 in Boerne, Texas, raising funds from ticket sales and donations.

The concert, which included performances by Strait and fellow singer-songwriters, aimed to raise immediate support for flood victims. The funds will be distributed through Vaqueros del Mar, a 15-year-old charity run by Strait and Cusick. The first checks were handed out on July 30 in Ingram, Texas, where the most devastating floods occurred.

Patrick O’Malley, one of the recipients, recalled waiting in his home until the sun came up and then wading through waist-high waters to safety. He is still waiting to find out if he qualifies for FEMA assistance. O’Malley’s mother, Anita Vanklaberen, expressed gratitude, stating, "This is a blessing. It’s a God thing."

Other recipients included Dusty Gilliam, whose daughter, Camp Heart of the Hills director Jane Ragsdale, died in the floods, and Bear Aspra, whose house was destroyed when the bluff behind it buckled during the rains. The Aspra family lost their home but thankfully, their children were safe with their grandparents.

Governor Abbott met with affected families, assuring them of state support for rebuilding and recovery. "We know that in addition to the loss of life, there are so many people like yourselves who are struggling, trying to put their lives back together, dealing with challenges they’ve never experienced before," Abbott said.

The funds from the "Strait to the Heart" concert are part of the broader relief efforts in the Hill Country. The state has mobilized a statewide emergency response to assist affected communities. Despite the devastation, survivors are beginning to pick up the pieces, with many focused on what they still have: their lives, their loved ones, and support from neighbors.

References:
[1] https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2025/08/09/its-a-god-thing-millions-flow-to-flood-survivors-after-music-star-george-strait-hosts/
[2] https://www.tpr.org/live-updates/kerrville-flooding-texas-hill-country