Llano County holds benefit for flood survivors

LLANO, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – It’s been four months since October’s historic flooding along the Llano River. For many, cleanup efforts are still ongoing in Llano County and rebuilding is underway.

Saturday, the Llano Chamber of Commerce hosted a benefit concert to help flood survivors like Bill and Laura Villella. Back in October flood waters poured into their home trapping the couple inside. “We were stuck in the house for three and half hours before we got rescued with eight feet of water in the house,” said Bill.

The couple says they were lucky to have been rescued but say everything that meant something to them was left behind. “The hardest part would be seeing our children’s photo’s on the walls and not saying goodbye,” said Laura. 

Llano County officials say more than a hundred people were forced to evacuate when waterways in Burnet and Llano counties climbed to almost 40 feet.

Homes in Llano County and Marble Falls were under water. Llano officials say more than 60 homes destroyed and over 450 had damage that ranged from moderate to severe.

Since then people from all over have dropped off donations.

Llano County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Briely Mitchell says over the months they received almost $80,000 in donations “Some days I’ve been in tears. One place out of San Antonio called and said we like to bring you a check and wrote us a check for $4,000,” said Mitchell.

“It’s been an outpouring amount of love from day one,” said Mitchell. 

Mitchell hopes the benefit will raise another $15,000 to $20,000.    

The Villella’s say that money will go a long way, and help many get back on their feet. “This community has done more than their share more than they should for strangers,” said Laura.  

Mitchell says close to 100% of the proceeds raised will go directly to flood survivors.