JJ Watt raises record $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery effort

The foundation of Houston Texans star JJ Watt on Monday said it has raised $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, making its crowd-sourced fundraiser the largest in history. 

Watt in a statement said the money has been used to fix and rebuild more than 600 homes and 420 childcare centers in the Houston area. The funds have also been used to distribute more than 26,000 meals and provide health care to more than 6,500 people. 

{mosads}It has been one year since the Category 4 hurricane made landfall at Houston, inflicting $125 billion in damage. 

Watt said on Monday he has disseminated the $41.6 million to eight groups involved in rebuilding Texas, including All Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children. 

Hurricane Harvey Relief:
One Year Update pic.twitter.com/eSiOG4TT26

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2018

“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 released by the Justin J. Watt Foundation. “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.” 

Watt raised the first $3.7 million within three weeks of the hurricane, according to ESPN.

The football star and activist in the statement added there is still “much work to be done.” 

“While a great deal has been accomplished in the past 12 months, there is still much work to be done,” Watt said. “Moving forward, there will be more of the same, as we continue to work with our incredible nonprofit partners to provide as much help and support as we possibly can for those affected by Harvey.” 

The hurricane affected multiple locations, including Guyana, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, the Cayman Islands and the southern and eastern areas of the United States, particularly Texas and Louisiana.