The July 4th flash floods from the Guadalupe River were devastating to everyone in the Kerrville, Texas community of 25,000 people in that state’s hill country. That community includes NSGA member Fitness First Sports, which is owned by the husband and wife team of Harold and Gina Buell.
“It is very hard to even begin to describe the death, destruction and devastation that has occurred,” Gina Buell said.
Fitness First, which has been an integral part of the Kerrville community since 1978, was fortunate to avoid significant damage to its business. Others weren’t so fortunate so the Buells are trying to help the community in any way possible. Gina Buell said she contacted several vendors after the flood for specific needs for first responders and said “she was so touched by all those that donated.”
But a community where numerous people lost everything, and in some cases had to swim out of their homes in the middle of the night, still needs a lot of help.
Among the items needed are school and adult clothes for boys/men and girls/women, polos, hoodies and jackets. Buell said there is a tremendous need for shoes for youths and adults.
The recently rebuilt youth baseball and softball fields in Ingram, about six miles northwest of Kerrville, were destroyed and help is needed for another rebuild. Buell said gift cards to establishments such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target would also help.
Fitness First and Kerr Screen Graphics also started a special line of T-shirts with 100 percent of the proceeds donated directly to the Zunker Family Foundation and surrounding communities in the Kerrville area. The T-shirts emphasize “Kerrville Strong” and “Hill Country Strong.”
