SAN ANTONIO — When Cynthia Garcia was awoken in the early morning hours on July 4 to news about the Kerville floods, she couldn’t believe it. As the days continued, she couldn’t shake the restless feeling; she had to do something. So, she began planning the Texas Strong Flood Relief Benefit for Kerr County.
The San Antonio-based G289 Productions & Entertainment owner shared that Kerrville is a city that is near and dear to her heart, as it not only houses the first radio station that opened its doors for her company, but also Kerrville-Schreiner Park, where she and her family visit nearly every summer.
Additionally, Garcia is a mother, which will always be her priority, so seeing others lose their children has been difficult for her.
“This benefit means a lot to me because I’m a mom and I know when one mom cries, we all cry. To know that these beautiful, innocent angels were taken away while they were sleeping just rips my heart to pieces,” Garcia emphasized.
She stated that God spoke to her and let her know that putting together and opportunity for the community to come together is what she needed to do, similar to what she did when the Uvalde shooting occurred in 2022.
“I have all the resources to pull off these events. Under G289, I have musicians all over the state of Texas. I know musicians at a higher level and [we can get this together],” explained Garica. “This is my way as a mom, as a friend, as a neighbor, as a Texan, to be able to give back to those families that are suffering right now and will suffer for the rest of their lives, especially the parents that lost their children. It’s unfathomable and it rips me to my core.”
She stated that her musicians did not hesitate when it came to donating their time for the benefit, simply asking when and where they needed to be.
The benefit concert will be held at Buck’s Backyard in Buda, since it not only is centrally located for the artists, but also because the venue has been known to support its community.
According to Garcia, Steve Avalos of the local band Broken Arrow and the owners of Buck’s Backyard met to coordinate this, where she was told that “the facility is [hers]. Just tell us how we can help you and let’s get it done.”
The benefit will be making a monetary donation to the Kerr County Community Relief Fund, said Garcia, as the Salvation Army doesn’t have room for any other physical donations.
Avalos will also be performing at the benefit, stating that it’s important for the community to come together to support Kerr County, despite not living in the area.
“It’s going to be a great day of music, but it’s all going to a great cause and going to victims. We just want to do our part to see what we can do for them,” Avalos said. “With all of us doing our part, hopefully it adds up to something good for them.”
Tickets will be $20 at the door or, if preferable to those attending, a QR code will be available to donate directly to the fund to enter. There will also be raffles and barbecue plates for sale, with 100% of the proceeds being donated, as well.
During the 10-hour event, artists, such as Bad Boy Leroy, Mick Cruz, James Cook, Broken Arrow, Janie Balderas, Sabrina Estevez and more will be playing for the crowd.
“Spread the word. Share our posts, the Buck’s Backyard social media post. Come out and support in any way you can,” Garcia concluded.
The event will take place from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at Buck’s Backyard, located at 1750 FM 1626 in Buda.