HOUSTON – Four months after devastating flooding hit the Texas Hill Country, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says $500,000 it pledged to support recovery efforts have been delivered.
The rodeo says the funds are already helping agricultural programs in the region rebuild and recover lost funding and resources. It will also ensure Texas youth and industry leaders can continue pursuing their education and livestock projects despite the disaster devastation.
Recommended Videos
“As the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo, we understand the responsibility we have to stand with our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman. “Thousands of people were impacted by the floods, many of whom are exhibitors at our annual event and critical to the agriculture and livestock industries. By supporting these organizations and their projects, we’re helping ensure they can continue their important work and focus on the future.”
The rodeo provided a full breakdown of where the funds are going to:
Texas Department of Agriculture STAR Fund - $150,000
The $150,000 donation will support the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund, which provides 100% of its privately funded resources to disaster recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners in 29 eligible counties across the state. Administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, the STAR Fund helps producers rebuild fences, restore operations, and replace equipment and livestock following declared disasters. The fund ensures every dollar directly supports those working to rebuild Texas’ agriculture after flooding and other natural events. This donation strengthens relief efforts statewide and reaffirms the Rodeo’s commitment to helping Texans.
Kerr County Stock Show - $150,000
The $150,000 donation will support the Kerr County Stock Show’s annual event operations, scholarships, endowments, and livestock premiums, ensuring continued opportunities for youth exhibitors following recent flood impacts. All students and animal projects remain accounted for, though emergency teams are currently housed in the facility typically used for the show’s annual fundraiser. This contribution helps offset the $75,000–$100,000 the fundraiser typically generates, covering sale of add–ons, scholarships, and endowment funding.
Back in the Saddle - $100,000
The $100,000 donation will help the campaign focus on rebuilding barns and fencing, replacing lost tack and equipment, and ensuring displaced horses are reunited or rehomed. These camps are more than recreational spaces—they are where Texas youth learn responsibility, resilience, and confidence through hands-on equine experiences. All donations are managed by the Texas Equine Foundation, ensuring support reaches the camps in greatest need. Camps include Camp Mystic, Vista Camps (Camp Rio Vista & Camp Sierra Vista), Camp La Junta for Boys, Camp Stewart, Camp Waldemar, Camp Honey Creek, Heart O’ the Hills, and Crider’s Rodeo & Dancehall.
Kerr County 4-H - $50,000
The $50,000 donation will support Kerr County 4-H in maintaining year-round programming and youth development projects after the cancellation of its primary fundraiser due to flooding. Funds will help sustain activities, travel to show contests, and the operation of the 4-H project barn, which provides space for students who lack resources to house their animals.
Texas FFA - $50,000
The $50,000 donation will assist Texas FFA chapters across the Kerr County region recovering from fundraising losses caused by the floods. These funds will help sustain student programming, travel, and agricultural project participation, ensuring local youth continue to access leadership and educational opportunities through FFA. With many chapters facing reduced community resources and event cancellations, this support will help offset critical budget gaps and maintain momentum for agricultural education.
“We recognize the impact this disaster has had on families, farms, and programs vital to the Hill Country, which is why the Rodeo has chosen to support these organizations” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chairman of the Board, Pat Mann Phillips. “We are also humbled by the courage of our volunteers, who stepped in without hesitation, risking their own safety, and giving their time and resources to help those in need. Their selflessness reflects the heart of our organization.”
In July, in partnership with the Gourmet Wranglers, a meat buying group of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, more than $9,000 in gift cards, more than 3,000 pounds of meat and more than 150 toiletry packs were delivered to Hill Country communities devastated by the flooding. The items were distributed to local volunteer fire departments for families and first responders in need.
In conjunction with all donations, the Rodeo recognizes the selfless efforts of Texans who assisted law enforcement in search and rescue missions immediately following the flood—many of whom were among the Rodeo’s 36,000 volunteers. The names listed below represent just a few of the highly honorable volunteers who made a significant impact.
- Beau Moreno, Trail Ride Committee volunteer, Houston firefighter and member of Texas A&M Task Force 1, a FEMA urban search and rescue team. Moreno spent more than 70 days on the ground assisting in relief efforts.
- Katherine Mars, a Ranching and Wildlife volunteer, whose family donated truckloads of supplies and helped sort and distribute donations in the Center Point area.
- Jane Metz, a Ranching and Wildlife Committee volunteer, helped raise funds through Texas A&M Corps of Cadets parents.
- Stacy Colvin, Trail Ride Committee volunteer, provided supplies to first responders in Ingram, Fredericksburg, and Willow City.
- A Rodeo vice president and several School Art Committee volunteers purchased and donated pieces of student artwork from the Western Art Academy in Kerrville to the family of a flood victim who inspired the art. Learn more about the academy here.