Deadly and unexpected floods struck the Central Texas region over the Fourth of July weekend, claiming at least 95 lives with rescue attempts still in progress.

The majority of reported deaths, including more than 25 children, occurred in Kerr County, just north of San Antonio.

The mayor of Kerrville has warned residents that it will be “a rough week” ahead as searches for missing persons are becoming more likely to finish with tragic outcomes.

Promotional products industry organizations are beginning to mobilize assistance efforts. PPAI is in contact with Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS) and Houston Promotional Products Association (HPPA).

  • The two regional associations are conducting a joint meeting of their executive committees to determine the best course of action in order to direct assistance to those most urgently in need.
  • Once determined, PPAI will amplify the message and assist PPAS and HPPA in their efforts.


Houston-based HIRSCH, PPAI 100’s No. 23 supplier, has also informed PPAI Media that it plans to make a substantial donation to victims of the floods. President Peter Hirsch and CEO Paul Hirsch, MAS, spent the past few days working to determine the specific funds best established to rebuild the communities, camps and businesses that were destroyed, as well as assist the families that lost loved ones. They settled on the Kerr Flood Relief Fund, which allocates monetary donations to their most useful causes.

Austin-based Rupt, PPAI 100’s No. 81 supplier, is taking action this week, turning its headquarters into a drop-off and distribution hub. As of Monday evening, the company was preparing trucks to deliver supplies directly to the hardest hit areas. The plan is to send the first truckload by Friday morning.

If there’s one thing I know about the promotional products industry, it’s that we show up when it counts.”

Jason Lucash

CEO, Rupt

“As a father of two daughters, I’ve been heartbroken thinking about the families in Kerr County who sent their kids off to camp and never got to welcome them home,” says Jason Lucash, CEO of Rupt. “This isn’t just a natural disaster, it’s a human tragedy that has changed lives forever. But if there’s one thing I know about the promotional products industry, it’s that we show up when it counts.”


Rupt is partnering with Lawrence Hanley, CEO of Desk Plants (a Rupt Ventures company), to maintain an Amazon Wishlist, allowing anyone to send supplies directly to Austin for transport. Volunteers are encouraged to include the following details:

Address: Rupt HQ
800 Interchange Blvd.
Suite 103
Austin, TX 78721
Label all boxes: “Kerr County Relief”

Additionally, HPG, PPAI’s No. 4 supplier, which recently opened up a facility in Sunnyvale, Texas, has announced that it is donating over 2,000 relief kits to support residents, shelters and first responders in the region.

  • Currently, HPG is seeking distributors local to the area to help distribute kits to local shelters. A form for signing up can be found here


“Texas communities have faced an absolutely catastrophic event,” says Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG and a member of PPAI’s Board of Directors. “We hope this donation brings immediate relief and a sense of solidarity. With many families displaced and critical services strained, these kits are a step toward restoring comfort and dignity in a time of crisis.”

We hope this donation brings immediate relief and a sense of solidarity.”

Chris Anderson

CEO, HPG

Houston-based supplier Kati Sportcap & Bag has also organized an Amazon Wishlist and are asking for hygiene items, nonperishable food items, baby supplies, children’s toys, cleaning products, pet food and clothing.

‘We Made It Out The Other Side’

People in the region, including promo professionals, were shocked by the devastation, as there was little warning that such severe flooding would occur.

John Baker, owner of San Saba Cap & BeBop T-Shirt Shop, located in Kerrville, confirmed to PPAI Media that he and his employees are now safe.

Our team made it to the other side. Our community needs lots of healing prayers. The Guadalupe River looks like a war zone.”

“Our team made it to the other side,” Baker says. “Our community needs lots of healing prayers. The Guadalupe River looks like a war zone.”

PPAI Media is still gathering information on the impact to area promotional products businesses and to share how members can join PPAS and HPPA in their relief efforts.