Two days after launching a GoFundMe campaign to support outdoor hospitality operators impacted by catastrophic floods in the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has announced that it reached its initial fundraising goal and is expanding efforts to provide additional assistance.
The relief fund, which initially targeted $10,000, met that threshold in less than a week.
TACO is now raising the target to twice the initial goal to extend financial support to a larger number of campgrounds and RV parks affected by the disaster, which claimed more than 100 lives and left extensive property damage across Kerr County and surrounding areas.
“It will be a long cleanup process, but folks are thankful for the help they’re receiving,” TACO said in its July 8 newsletter titled Texas Campgrounds: Relief Update and Resources.
“Thank you so much to everyone that took the time to donate, whether it was money or an in-kind donation.”
TACO has begun accepting applications from affected operators who wish to be considered for relief funding.
Campgrounds can download the application form through TACO’s latest newsletter or by clicking here and emailing submissions directly to Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s CEO and executive director, at [email protected].
As part of its coordinated relief strategy, TACO is also gathering information on discounted goods and services from vendors across the country.
These vendor offers, currently under development, will include special pricing for campground repairs and equipment, as well as RV unit replacement support for displaced guests.
Additionally, a password-protected section of the association’s member portal contains resources on navigating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) process and preparing for future weather emergencies.
The flooding, which occurred between July 4 and 6, caused the Guadalupe River to surge almost 30 feet in parts of the Texas Hill Country, overwhelming numerous parks with flash flooding.
Among the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp where dozens remain unaccounted for. Officials have declared a state disaster to expedite recovery efforts.
In parallel, TACO is calling on unaffected parks to assist in accommodating displaced RVers. Parks offering available sites can contact Lisa Rhodes at the TACO office to be listed on TexasCampgrounds.com, the association’s public-facing park directory.
“There has been no shortage of people willing to offer whatever they can,” the association noted. “You are a reminder of why this is the greatest industry in the greatest state.”
The updated GoFundMe campaign remains active at gofundme.com/f/aid-for-texas-hill-country-disaster-relief.
TACO will continue its outreach to affected parks and plans to release further updates as more support measures come online.