Ellen Donates $1 Million to Texas High School Devastated By Hurricane Harvey.

Ellen Surprises High School Students with Biggest Gift Ever

Natural disasters such as mudslides, tornadoes, and hurricanes leave total devastation for communities in their path. And this was what happened in Rockport, Texas when Hurricane Harvey struck in August of last year causing around $125 billion in damage. The storm wiped out of the majority of homes, schools, and businesses. One school, Rockport-Fulton High School, was severely damaged. The gym, which was totally destroyed, smashing the dreams of the students especially the varsity girls volleyball team who wanted to compete with the other schools. 

One team member of the girl's volleyball team when interviewed, said that before Harvey, she looked forward to her senior year and being able to get those moments that every senior dream of, but because of what happened, she was not able to get those moments.  Instead, she witnessed how her community and other surrounding communities came together to help each other and make the best of a devastating situation.

The Ellen show

Everyone was devastated, but that didn't mean that they were giving up on their dreams. In fact, despite the girls not having a gym to play or practice in, the team’s coaches were determined to move on. What was more touching is that they not only didn't want to give up the varsity team's experience to compete, but they also wanted to give the girls a sense of normalcy and a home-like setting since many of their homes had also been destroyed.

Together with the coaches, the community, even people from other towns gathered together to raise money for the team. They used the money to pay for equipment and uniforms. What was the most surprising was that the other school districts, who were the team’s rivals, went above and beyond and welcomed them like family and allowing them to practice and play in their gyms. 

Destroyed by Hurricane Harvey Rockport Fulton High School campus.

“You always have a choice to make the best out of a situation having that positive mindset and wanting to make it better is what really got us through Harvey,” said one of the teammates.

“We really just saw the good in humanity, so many people reached out.” Said another teammate. Because of the team’s positive attitude, it caught the attention of The Ellen Show.

Volunteers at Rockport-Fulton High School clear debris from the stadium.

According to Ellen, “That’s what’s amazing about your story, I mean you’ve lost so much, and yet everyone came together to help the community."

Rockport-Fulton High school cheerleaders.

Ellen then surprised the school, who thought they were filming a video for EllenTube when she and Lowe's Donated $1 Million to Rebuild the High School Gym Destroyed by Hurricane Harvey

Thank you for the team spirit, and thank you, Ellen, for your kind heart and generosity. You really made a big difference for the students at Rockport-Fulton High School

“That's what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.”

- Simone de Beauvoir.