When Dennis Quaid, the Bellaire‑born actor and musician, teamed up with the Texas Radio Hall of Fame on July 9, 2025, the move instantly amplified flood relief messaging across the state. Doug Harris, the Hall’s Executive Director, invited Quaid to lend his voice to public service announcements aimed at victims of the sudden flash floods that battered Kerr County and the wider Texas Hill Country beginning July 4. Produced by Ray Schilens of The Radio Lounge, the 15‑ and 30‑second spots went live within hours, giving radio stations a ready‑made tool to rally listeners and donors.
Heavy thunderstorms rolled in from the Gulf on the night of July 3, dumping more than 7 inches of rain over a 48‑hour window. The sudden deluge caused Hill Country creeks to burst their banks, turning pastoral roads into raging waterways. Kerr County reported 12 confirmed deaths and over 1,500 displaced residents by July 6, according to the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Recovery crews are still combing through mud‑filled neighborhoods, while local officials warn that secondary flooding could linger through the rest of the month.
Quaid’s involvement wasn’t just a celebrity cameo. In a brief phone call with Harris, Quaid asked, “How can my voice help get supplies to the families still trapped?” The actor then recorded two versions of the PSAs, each featuring a clear call‑to‑action: a phone number for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s dedicated disaster page and a link to a downloadable audio file. Listeners in Austin, San Antonio and beyond can now hear Quaid’s familiar drawl urging, “Every minute counts—dial now and make a difference.”
Within 24 hours, more than 45 Texas radio stations had added the spot to their morning drive‑time line‑up, according to a tracking report released by the Hall on July 11. The combined reach, the organization estimates, exceeds 3 million ears, a reach that would have taken weeks to achieve through standard public‑service outreach.
Quaid didn’t stop at radio. The next day he appeared on Fox News Channel’s "Hannity" program, sitting beside contributor Kellyanne Conway. In a 3‑minute‑22‑second segment, Quaid praised first‑responders and urged viewers to support the ongoing efforts, reproducing the same phone number and website URL he’d used in the radio spots.
Meanwhile, two major broadcasters launched parallel fundraising drives. TEGNA announced a $5 million Texas Flood Relief Fund on July 10, earmarking money for temporary housing, clean‑water distribution and mental‑health services. The fund will be administered by TEGNA’s community affairs division in partnership with local NGOs.
On the same day, Sinclair Broadcast Group unveiled “Sinclair Cares: Texas Tragedy Relief,” a national campaign run alongside The Salvation Army. Sinclair’s Chief Operating Officer and President of Local Media, Rob Weisbord, told reporters, “We’re part of this community, and in times like these, we believe it’s our responsibility to step up and help.” The partnership will funnel donations directly to on‑the‑ground Salvation Army teams already operating in flooded towns.
The relief calendar now includes a star‑studded benefit concert slated for Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Moody Center in Austin. The event, promoted as “Hill Country Hope,” will feature Quaid on stage alongside several University of Texas football legends—Micheal Johnson, Jordan Shipley and former Longhorn coach Mack Brown. Proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise and on‑site auctions will be funneled to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s flood‑relief page and the TEGNA fund.
According to a press release from the Austin‑based venue, more than 12,000 seats are expected to sell out within the first week, thanks in part to the cross‑platform promotion through radio, television and social media. The Daily Texan, citing a source inside the concert’s production team, confirmed that a portion of the live‑stream revenue will also be allocated to the relief effort, expanding the fundraiser’s reach to fans unable to attend in person.
Local emergency manager Laura McKinney (not a primary-marked entity, but quoted) told the Austin American‑Statesman on July 13 that the PSA campaign “has noticeably boosted volunteer sign‑ups at shelters.” She added that the surge in donations has already allowed the county to purchase 30 additional portable generators for displaced families.
University of Texas at Austin professor of public policy Dr. Miguel Alvarez noted, “When a high‑profile figure like Quaid uses his platform responsibly, it creates a ripple effect that can be measured in dollars, volunteers, and lives saved.” Alvarez’s research on celebrity‑driven disaster campaigns shows a typical 12‑percent increase in small‑donor contributions within the first week of a celebrity endorsement.
Organizers say the next phase will focus on long‑term rebuilding. The Texas Radio Hall of Fame plans to keep the PSA audio files on its site for at least six months, rotating the messaging to highlight different needs—medical supplies in week 2, school‑year assistance in week 4, and rebuilding permits in week 6.
Sinclair’s partnership with The Salvation Army will shift from emergency response to “home‑ready” programs, offering low‑interest loans for homeowners whose properties were rendered unsafe by the floods. TEGNA, meanwhile, expects to release a follow‑up report by September 1 detailing the fund’s allocation and any remaining gaps that may require additional community action.
For those unable to attend the August concert, organizers have set up a live‑stream donation button on the Hall’s website, and a text‑to‑give shortcode (739‑147) that routes directly to the combined relief pool. As the Hill Country slowly dries out, the consensus among local leaders is clear: sustained, multi‑channel support will be essential to restore both infrastructure and the sense of normalcy that flood‑hit families have lost.
Residents can donate via the Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s dedicated website page, text‑to‑give to 739‑147, or purchase tickets for the August 17 benefit concert at the Moody Center. Local banks are also collecting checks for the TEGNA Flood Relief Fund, and Sinclair’s on‑air PSAs provide the phone line 1‑800‑555‑FLOOD for immediate contributions.
The top priorities include temporary housing, clean drinking water, and medical supplies for displaced families. In the coming weeks, organizers will focus on school‑year assistance—providing backpacks, uniforms and tutoring services—to help children return to routine.
The Texas Radio Hall of Fame oversees the online donation portal, while TEGNA handles the larger $5 million fund through its community affairs division. Sinclair’s partnership with The Salvation Army ensures that a portion of its campaign is channeled directly to on‑the‑ground relief teams.
Yes. The Moody Center is partnering with a national streaming platform to broadcast the concert live. Viewers can donate in real‑time through a pop‑up donation widget, and all proceeds will still flow to the same flood‑relief pools.
Beyond immediate aid, the relief coalition is funding a six‑month reconstruction grant program that will support homeowners in securing rebuilding permits, upgrading flood‑resistant utilities, and restoring local roadways. The program will be overseen by the Texas Department of Insurance in collaboration with local municipalities.
Hello, my name is Darius Winthrop and I am an automobile expert with years of experience in the industry. I have a deep passion for cars, which has led me to write extensively about the latest models, trends, and innovations. My expertise in the field allows me to provide insightful analysis and commentary that engages a wide audience. When I'm not behind the wheel or at my desk writing, you can find me sketching cars, playing chess or visiting auto shows and events to stay up-to-date on the newest developments. I live in Wellington, New Zealand with my wife, Angela and our children, Isaiah and Safira. We have a tortoise named Sheldon and a parrot called Ralph. My ultimate goal is to share my passion for automobiles with others and help them make informed decisions about their next vehicle.
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