In recent news the devastating effects of hurricane Harvey have dominated the news spotlight. Hitting hardest in Texas, the storm produced record amounts of rainfall in just a short time period. Roads and homes have been heavily flooded, and many families have been trapped on rooftops waiting for rescue.

In an effort to reach out to those affected, professional football player J.J. Watt has used his platform in an attempt to raise money.

Watt started with a goal of $200,000, pledging $100,000 of his own money to go directly to the fund. Within hours of the campaign’s beginning, the initial goal was met, and Watt realized his potential to push further.

A new goal of $500,000 was set and surpassed in a mere 24 hours. This extreme growth in donations came from the large social media platform that Watt entertains. The Houston star reaches close to 7 million people on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, many of them willing and ready to help make a difference with their contributions.

The process of setting and reaching goals repeated for Watt until he challenged his followers to reach the 10 million dollar mark. At this point, donations were coming in from everywhere. Amy Adams Strunk, owner of the Tennessee Titans, donated $1 million of her own money to the cause.

In only five days, Watt’s campaign to help the people of Texas had reached the 10 million dollar mark. Over 100,000 different donators have contributed.

“We’re going to do everything we can to rebuild the city,” Watt said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Watt has asked for anyone at all to do their part, not just huge donors. Watt and his foundation appreciate any amount, and ensure that everything will be put to use to help the people affected by Harvey.

Today the foundation has raised over $27 million, and Watt hopes to continue to see this number rise.

To help make a difference and donate to Watts fund go to youcaring.com/victimsofhurricaneharvey.

Story by Dietrich Sears