J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey relief efforts reach world-record high

Shanna McCarriston

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J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey relief efforts reach world-record high image

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt continues to make his mark off the field: His Hurricane Harvey relief efforts have become the largest crowdsourced fundraiser in world history.

Through the J.J. Watt Foundation, Watt has raised $41.6 million to date, and he continues to help the city of Houston every way he can. According to the foundation, more than 600 houses and 420 child-care centers have been restored or rebuilt and 26 million meals have been distributed following the storm.

The NFL star began his efforts one year ago after Harvey devastated parts of Houston and the surrounding area.

This week, the J.J. Watt Foundation released its plans for the next 12 months. They include the rebuilding and restoring of Boys & Girls Clubs, assistance with physical and mental health services and home restoration. Watt, 29, wants to ensure the money is going to charities of quality and is taking time to make the most of the funds raised.

The money raised in the past year went to eight organizations: Hands and Hearts, Americares, Boys & Girls Clubs, Baker Ripley, Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children and SBP.

Watt said in his statement that he cannot thank people enough for their generosity and that he is committed to rebuilding the affected areas.

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Athletes, celebrities, politicians and people around the world have donated to the cause and continue to praise Watt for his nonstop commitment to giving back to his community. Watt's efforts were recognized at the NFL Honors in February when he was named the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Watt began his fundraiser by donating $100,000 of his own money. His original goal was to raise $200,000 total, which has been exceeded more than 2,000 times over. Watt said he looks forward to what more can be accomplished in the next year and anticipates continuing to aid the eight organizations he supports.

Shanna McCarriston