George Strait’s “Strait To The Heart” Benefit Raises $6.25 Million for Hill Country Flood Relief
- All Country News
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
On Sunday night, July 27, the King of Country proved once again that his heart is as legendary as his voice. George Strait, alongside his Vaqueros del Mar partner Tom Cusick, hosted the “Strait To The Heart” benefit dinner and concert at Estancia at Thunder Valley in Boerne, Texas. By the end of the evening, the event had raised a staggering $6.25 million and counting for families devastated by catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country.
The sold-out crowd of 1,200 was treated to a night where music and generosity walked hand in hand. The Texas Jamm Band, featuring members of Strait’s iconic Ace in the Hole Band, opened the evening before standout performances by Kyle Park, William Beckmann, Hudson Westbrook, and Ray Benson.
Before the music swelled, Strait and Cusick took the stage to welcome guests. Pastor Max Lucado delivered a poignant prayer, reminding the audience that in times of tragedy, perspective is everything. “On one side [of life], it’s nothing but irregular threads,” Lucado said. “But if you flip it over, the message embroidered says ‘God is love.’ 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 echoed that sentiment, thanking first responders who had already saved more than 1,000 lives. “While we have prayed endlessly, we have acted endlessly also,” Abbott said to a standing ovation.
The giving spirit soared even higher during a live auction before country heavyweights Wade Bowen, Randy Houser, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, and Jamey Johnson took turns on stage.
Strait’s own setlist was a masterclass in country music history. He opened with the poignant “The Weight of the Badge,” a tribute to first responders, before welcoming a surprise guest Garth Brooks for a rousing rendition of “The Fireman.” Jamey Johnson joined him for “Give It Away,” while longtime collaborator Dean Dillon and Strait’s son Bubba joined for “Here For A Good Time.”
The night’s energy was electric, but its purpose never wavered. It was about neighbors helping neighbors, country legends lifting spirits, and a community proving that even in heartbreak, hope can rise as high as the Texas sky.
Proceeds from the event, as well as online donations, benefit the 501(c)(3) Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund and will be distributed directly to impacted families and recovery efforts across the Hill Country. Contributions can still be made at https://donate.stripe.com/3cI14maf08Pf0vc7AV5Vu00.
George Strait closed the unforgettable night with “The Cowboy Rides Away,” a fitting end to a concert that embodied resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between country music and its fans.
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