George Strait quietly turned a single night into a $6.25-million lifeline for Texas flood relief — and the “Strait To The Heart” benefit instantly became legend status. ML
The benefit concert offered hope, healing, and help for flood victims across Texas.
In the wake of devastating floods across Texas Hill Country, George Strait rallied fans and fellow artists for a night of music, generosity, and healing that raised over $6.25 million (and counting) for those in need.
Held at Estancia at Thunder Valley on Sunday, July 27 and presented by Strait and his longtime Vaqueros del Mar partner Tom Cusick, the sold-out benefit concert welcomed 1,200 guests to Estancia at Thunder Valley in Boerne, Texas.
The evening kicked off with a set from the Texas Jamm Band, featuring members of Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band, followed by performances from Kyle Park, William Beckmann, Hudson Westbrook, and Ray Benson. Strait and Cusick then took the stage to welcome attendees followed by a prayer and remarks from Pastor Max Lucado.
“I have a bookmark that a friend gave me that’s embroidered,” Pastor Lucado shared. “On one side, it’s nothing but irregular threads. Different lengths, different colors, a lot of knots. But if you flip it over, the message embroidered says ‘God is love.’ Facing a tragedy is learning to face it from the right side. One side is irregular – it’s just knots, it doesn’t make sense. And during a time of tragedy, it’s essential that we do our very best, as difficult as it may be, to see everything from God’s perspective.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also addressed the crowd, praising the tireless work of first responders and encouraging continued support for recovery efforts.
“There’s a saying that we’ve all repeated many times: pray as though everything is going to be taken care of by God, but act as though everything is up to you,” Governor Abbott remarked. “While we have prayed endlessly, I want you to know that we have acted endlessly also. Texas first responders have rescued or evacuated more than 1,000 people. Lives were saved because of those first responders. Give it up for our fearless first responders.”
Raised More Funds With A Live Auction
A live auction was also held before the night’s headlining performances from Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, and Jamey Johnson. This portion of the night helped raise even more funds benefitting the victims of the Hill Country flood.
Strait treated those in attendance to a full set of fan favorites and surprise collaborations. He opened with “The Weight of the Badge” and was joined by Garth Brooks for a rousing performance of “The Fireman” in honor of first responders. Jamey Johnson also joined Strait for “Give It Away,” while longtime collaborator Dean Dillon and Strait’s son Bubba took the stage for “Here For A Good Time.” The country icon closed things out with his poignant ballad, “The Cowboy Rides Away.”
George Strait’s Setlist:
“The Weight of the Badge”
“The Fireman” with Garth Brooks
“All My Exes”
“Give It Away” with Jamey Johnson
“I Remember You”
“The Book”
“Here For A Good Time” with Dean Dillon and Bubba Strait
“Waymore’s Blues”
“The Chair”
“Goin’ Goin’ Gone”
“Codigo”
“Amarillo by Morning”
“Troubadour”
“Take Me Back To Tulsa”
“Milk Cow Blues”
“The Cowboy Rides Away”
Where To Donate
The intimate evening not only paid tribute to the region’s resilient spirit but also offered critical aid to families hit hardest by the floods. Proceeds from the event benefit the Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to distributing direct aid to affected families and ongoing recovery efforts.
