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Austin gem, University of Texas professor and celebrity Matthew McConaughey looked the part of a Texas politician sitting in front of an American flag when he took to social media to discuss the winter storm that had ransacked his home state.
McConaughey, a native Texan and Austin homeowner, announced that with all the damage and repair work in store, he and wife Camila are working on a virtual benefit put on by their just keep livin Foundation to help the state get back on its feet. They are also posting daily updates on their social media on resources available.
"While most of the power is, thankfully, being restored, the busted water lines from hospitals to so many homes has left so many Texans without the bare necessities they need to survive," McConaughey said in the video.
We're Texas pic.twitter.com/rwIo81Pn6E
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) February 22, 2021
The Austinite is just one of several native Texas celebrities and influencers who have reached out or donated to the Lone Star State.
Beyonce and sister Solange are working with organizations in their hometown of Houston to bring relief to residents. Beyonce, as part of her BeyGood Foundation, has teamed up with The Bread of Life Disaster Relief Assistance Fund's Houston branch. The fund is providing up to $1,000 in one-time assistance to Texas residents in need, but the first round of applications are already closed due to high demand.
Meanwhile, Solange has partnered with Mutual Aid Houston to provide assistance to homes after the devastating freeze.
Longhorns football alumnus Michael Huff has swept aid across the state, first paying for thousands of tacos as well as hundreds of BBQ plates and chicken sandwiches while most Austinites could only hope for warm food. He later sent the same amenities to residents of Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.
East Texas native and country music star Kacey Musgraves took a topical spin on helping the community with a commemorative jab at U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who left the state for a Cancun vacation. T-shirts with the phrase "Cruzin' for a Bruzin'" selling on her website will benefit causes including the American Cross of Central and South Texas, Casa Marianella and Feed the People Dallas.
Petition for @tedcruz to retweet this link. A quick and easy way to really help from the comfort of your home! We're halfway to raising $100k for Texas! Come on, Ted. https://t.co/TglB3AsEkt
— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) February 19, 2021
And close to home Austin food blogger Jane Ko partnered with Austin FC and local Austin restaurants, helping thousands of hot meals be delivered around the city with the more than $90,000 she raised to go toward relief efforts. Additonally, Austin musicians Willie Nelson and Jackie Venson retweeted resources and help to their audiences.
U.S. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez proved that you don't have to live in the Lone Star State to send help, while advocating for better living conditions and instructing Texans on basic steps to help ensure FEMA aid. And in the same fashion, model and influencer Chrissy Teigen asked followers for their expertise, retweeting helpful information to a large global following.
Texas still has a long way to go in terms of recovery but one thing is always certain: Texans are in it together.
- Snow Angels: Local residents help one another during winter storm ›
- Texas tough: how 32 Austinites are weathering the storm - austonia ›
- Austin's Buy Nothing groups came alive during storm outages - austonia ›
- Three influencers who made a free meal network during the storm - austonia ›
- More thunderstorms, hail, winds possible in North Austin on May 3 - austonia ›
Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
