A love letter to Kerr County
The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of emotions for all Texans, including dear friends and family, many of whose kids were at Camp Mystic and La Junta along the Guadalupe River. The tragedy and devastation of the July 4th floods have touched everyone in our great state somehow, in some way.
For 14 years, Lolo and I have gleefully packed up the car, dogs in tow, and set off for a week or two at our favorite place on earth, the Blakely River House, just 10 miles downriver from Camp Mystic, which has been in her family for almost 100 years. Lolo doesn't know life without carefree summers and family celebrations in what feels like the most magical corner of the river, where the sun shines through the big cypress trees lining the banks, the sound of the rapids flowing down from the Ford adding to the calm, crisp Guadalupe River, and more cherished moments with loved ones than we can count.
But this is about now and how the hill country will never quite be the same. The unimaginable loss of lives while living their best life - at camp, on vacation, at their favorite spot on the river - is still inconceivable. Yet, amidst this tragedy, the resilience of our community shines through, inspiring us all.
On each trip, the evening before we left, Lolo and I would sit by the banks of the river around sunset in awe of the unchanged perfection of the breeze, sounds, and peace. Now, the forever unchanged is forever changed.
When we return to this sacred place, we will honor the lives lost and feel even more grateful for each day the Lord has made — and we will be ever so glad in it.
How to help Kerr County
It'll never cease to amaze me how people show up for those in need. From the immediately dispatched HEB Disaster Relief and Mattress Mack trucks to small businesses giving a percentage of sales or creating a new piece dedicated to relief efforts to chefs loading up equipment, food, water, and their teams to feed victims, volunters and anyone in need of a comforting and sustaining meal for the work that needs to be done.
Where to send donations
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Kerrville has been on the ground since the tragedy and has since partnered with South Texas Bereavement Center to further support families affected. Rector Bert Baetz and his wife Sarah are college friends of Lolo and longtime hill country residents who are deeply rooted in the needs of their community.
DONATE - St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country —a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Kerrville—will directly distribute funds to vetted local organizations providing rescue, relief, recovery services and flood assistance. The Fund will support impacted communities including Boerne, Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort.
DONATE - Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
Avance Collective - AVANCE Collective is public charity founded by Geoffrey Ravoire (Huffman Travel), my friend, Lindsey Gift-Silver (Oetker Collection), and Chris Reed (The Ranch), with the goal of uniting travel industry professionals to fund human initiatives that support education, inclusivity, and community.
All donations received in the month of July will be dedicated to support flood relief efforts in Kerrvile, in partnership with Convoy of Hope and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Thank you to our generous Avancer, Mike Arnold and Tynan Travel, who will be MATCHING subsequent donations to the effort.
DONATE - Avance Collective
Other ways to support
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry - Until July 31, 2025, 20% of proceeds from The Hill Country Collection will go towards a trusted Hill Country Flood Relief organization to support those affected at Camp Mystic and the surrounding areas
PURCHASE - LLJ Hill Country Collection
Zadok Jewelers - As a family-owned jeweler with deep Texas roots, Zadok stands firmly with our neighbors when they need us most. That’s why we custom designed the Heart in the Hill Country Bracelet to support the community affected by the devastating flood in Central Texas. 100% of proceeds to benefit the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, and Zadok Jewelers will match all proceeds up to $10,000 with a donation
PURCHASE - Heart in the Hill Country Bracelet
James Avery - Heart to Heart, for Texas - Through Aug. 4, we’re donating 100% of the full-value proceeds from the “Deep in the Heart of Texas” Charm to help those impacted by the floods.
PURCHASE - Deep in the Heart of Texas Charm
Verde Chicken Enchiladas
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer isn't what we say, but what we serve—these enchiladas are my way of saying what my heart can't quite put into words. I’ve made these layered verde chicken enchiladas for countless family gatherings and to deliver to friends when they need a break from thinking about dinner or just as a token of my love - my recipe is linked below:
Thank you for joining my love letter to Kerr County and wishing you a joyful weekend ahead — xx, Libby
