Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt wanted to make a difference when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area in 2017. A year after the disaster, his relief efforts reportedly have set a world record.
The Justin J. Watt Foundation raised a total of $41.6 million for its Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which it claims is a world record for the largest fundraiser by crowdsourcing in history.
Watt said in a statement that his original goal was to raise $200,000, which was surpassed in just two hours.
The funds have been distributed across eight nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Clubs. They were used to rebuild homes and childcare centers and provide “millions and millions of meals” to displaced people.
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund started by J.J. Watt raised $41.6 million making it the largest crowdsourced fundraiser in world history. All funds have officially been distributed. Sure glad J.J. didn’t stick to football. pic.twitter.com/a7vP0oA53i
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 27, 2018
“I cannot thank everyone enough for your support and generosity,” Watt said. “You have truly provided an unbelievable example of what the human spirit is capable of accomplishing.”
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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