Hope Shines Through Tragedy - Rotary Rally for Relief

Jul 17, 2025

2 min read

Clifton Castle of Rotary Del Rio performed with his band pro bono

Community spirit was alive and well at the Rotary Rally for Relief on Saturday July 12. Clifton Castle of Rotary Del Rio and Madison Hailey of 830 Press volunteered as two headlining musical acts, completely pro bono. Clifton Castle closed out his first set with “The Dance” by Garth Brooks and dedicated the song to the “Angels of Kerrville.” Castle said, “this song makes me remember my dad and all the people we lost.”

Local businesses didn't just write checks; they rolled up their sleeves and became integral parts of the effort. The owner of Del Rio’s Texas Roadhouse, Jimmaily Falcon, showed up with her staff to man the grills. Texas Roadhouse provided drinks, chips, cheeseburger and pulled pork sliders at a low cost, with all profits returned to the Rotary Club for donation to Kerrville.

Falcon said business is more than making money, “it’s about how we can be impactful.” Falcon said it was “a way to give back to the community, even if it’s not necessarily our community.” She added, “it helped open our eyes… you never know when disaster can strike closer to home.”

Del Rio’s Texas Roadhouse, Jimmaily Falcon, showed up with her staff to man the grills

The Whitehead Memorial Museum donated in-kind use of the grounds. Lemonitos Food Truck parked outside the museum’s front gates and donated all proceeds to Kerrville flood relief efforts. Donors and volunteers out of Del Rio came together to facilitate the event, with the Rotary Club of Del Rio at the helm. “This rally was not only a fundraiser—it was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and Rotary’s mission in action,” said Cheryl Simmons President for the Rotary Club of Del Rio.

Rotary proudly announced “the rally raised an impressive $11,076.59. These funds will be directed to assist flood victims in Kerrville as they rebuild and recover from the recent disaster.” A significant portion of funds raised derived directly from the Silent Auction. Bidding exceeded expectations, with the highest bid for most items going above the appraised value.

The generosity was palpable. Different gift boxes donated by Julio’s Corn Tortilla Chips and Val Verde Winery went for at least $200 at the end of the silent auction. Del Rioans bid above market value for the items, demonstrating an eagerness to donate. HTeaO was one of the first confirmed event contributors. They provided mini gallons, asking only for donations to Kerrville in exchange.

HTeaO was one of the first confirmed event contributors.

“In a true spirit of service above self, the Rotary Club of Del Rio organized a heartfelt event in four days, the Rotary Rally for Kerrville, to support neighbors affected by the devastating floods that recently struck Kerrville and surrounding communities… In times of crisis, neighbors helping neighbors makes all the difference—and the Rotary Club of Del Rio is proud to be part of that mission,” concluded Rotary.