J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Is Largest Crowd-Sourced Fundraiser Ever

On Monday, J.J. Watt’s foundation announced it had raised and distributed $41.6 million to date for Hurricane Harvey relief —making the effort the largest crowd-sourced fundraiser in history.

According to the Justin J. Watt Foundation, the funds have been used to rebuild and repair more than 600 homes and more than 420 childcare centers and after-school programs.

The money has also been used to give more than 26 million meals to those affected by Harvey, provide physical and mental health services to more than 6,500 individuals, and to distribute medicine to more than ten thousand patients.

Those efforts were funneled through eight nonprofits: All Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children and SBP.

“As I reflect on the events of Hurricane Harvey one year ago, the memories of destruction and devastation remain, but they are accompanied by memories of hope, selflessness and the beauty of the human spirit,” Watt said in a statement. “The actions of professional first responders and everyday citizens alike were an inspiration to the world and a shining example of the inherent good that lies within us all.”

“Those actions locally were then supported by the actions of hundreds of thousands from around the world showing their support and donating their money in order to help out in any way they could,” he continued. “I was fortunate enough to witness that generosity first hand, as the fundraiser that I started with a simple goal of $200,000 turned into an unbelievable outpouring of support from people all around the globe. When it was all said and done, after the late donations and checks that came in after the deadline were counted, the total amount that was donated and is now hard at work in the community was $41.6 million.”