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Clay Walker and Friends Headline Benefit Concert for Houston’s Flood Victims

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Multi-platinum selling country music star, Clay Walker headlined a benefit concert in Houston, Texas in partnership with the City of Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner and Joel and Victoria Osteen of Lakewood Church.

Walker and a talented line-up of locally and nationally known musicians, celebrities, and community leaders came together to raise funds and awareness for the Greater Houston Storm Relief fund, which provides donations and financial assistance directly to residents suffering a great loss from recent floods, states its website. “Houston Recovers with Clay Walker & Friends Live from Lakewood Church,” was a wonderful evening of music and hope for a community coming together for its flood victims.

Devastating Floods

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Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Devastating floods have hit Texas hard this year, especially Houston, Texas. On April 18, 2016, another round of storms barreled through town causing major devastation throughout the area. “So many people in our area suffered extreme loss due to these recent floods. Many lost more than possessions – jobs, family members, homes and in some cases their livelihood,” said Mayor Turner. “It is our privilege to come together and help our fellow Houstonians recover.”

Mayor Turner established The Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund, to accept flood relief donations that will stay in the community. The fund will focus on aiding storm victims and relief organizations in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties, added Turner. He said the fund will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity, as stated by their website.

The Artists

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Photo: Sonia Ramirez

The benefit concert headlined by Walker also included a familiar line up of stars such as Brian McKnight, Regina Belle, Yolanda Adams, La Mafia’s Oscar de la Rosa, Danny Gokey and CeCe Winans. Each gave a heartwarming performance as their music resonated throughout the concert in front of a packed house. Many could relate to the recent floods and the tolls it takes on the person and the community as whole, and it was evident each felt strongly about giving their time and talent to help a town in need. Below are a few statements from the artist themselves:

Clay Walker — “Houston has been home to me for most of my life.  It is an honor to help those in need by joining together to heal hearts and repair the structures that shelter so many families who make up the rich fabric of our community,” said Clay Walker.  “This is an opportunity to do good and feel good inside by uplifting our neighbors and showing them we care and are willing to share in their struggle as we all rebuild.”

Brian McKnight — “It is a no brainer for me that when people are in need and I have the capacity to help, that I give that help without trepidation or hesitation.”

CeCe Winans — “I witnessed firsthand how devastating a flood can be when my hometown of Nashville experienced the same thing in 2010. I was there to support them in song during a Benefit Concert and it is my  pleasure to be there for the City of Houston as well.”

When I asked Danny Gokey what message he hoped the community would take away from this event this is what he shared, “No matter how devastating the losses we face, no matter what tragedies come together in life, that when we get one heart, one mind, one soul, we can really affect and change people’s lives. There’s power in unity and I think that’s what this event is representing and that Houston is a strong city.”

Community Leaders

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Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Community leaders from around town were front and center showing their support. Among those who addressed the audience were local celebrity couple Jennifer Arnold, M.D. and her husband Bill Klein from the TLC show “The Little Couple.”

Other performances and support came from a beautiful musical video tribute provided by the Houston Symphony and Music Director, Andrés Orozco-Estrada. The Houston Children’s Chorus also captured the hearts of the audience with their endearing performance. There were also a few surprise videos from artist such as Tim McGraw, and Darius Rucker, who were unable to attend but showed their support with encouraging words for the audience.

Lakewood

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Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Mega church Lakewood took front and center as the event host providing its facility for the concert and playing a major role in helping spread the word of support for its community.

Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen shared the following statement, ““We are proud of our Lakewood Church staff and volunteers for their efforts helping our fellow Houstonians recover from the recent flooding.  We are honored to continue these efforts as a part of Houston Recovers, and look forward to partnering with the Mayor’s office, as well as business, civic, and faith leaders, city relief organizations, and celebrities to raise funds for those who need it most.”

Pastor John Gray also of Lakewood, provided the audience with some comedic relief as he shared his affection for Pastor Osteen while honoring his tenacity and the encouragement he brings to the community weekly.

Giving Back

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Photo: Sonia Ramirez

Don’t worry if you missed the show because there is still time to show your support. You can still give to the Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund by visiting www.houstonrecovers.org or by texting HOUSTON to 91999 all week, stated Lakewood’s Facebook page.

The concert was broadcast and streamed LIVE on KTRK-ABC13 and SiriusXM Joel Osteen Radio, channel 128. KTRK-ABC13 Anchor Gina Gaston was the media host for the event. Admission was FREE to the public but event organizers encouraged people to make a contribution to the greater Houston Storm Relief Fund.

References:

Lakewood Church

Mayor’s Office of Special Events FB Page

HoustonRecovers.org