Standing with Texas – Real Social Capital in Action
By Chris Benguhe
For years as a reporter and as an author who has written five books on people overcoming tragedy, I have been consistently and positively impressed with how, when tragedy strikes, the true character of humanity is revealed—not just in the resilience of people but in the response of its institutions.
As we are confronted with the ongoing devastation and hardship unfolding in Texas, I am glad to see and report that is proving true once again—including in the outpouring of support of business leaders.
The catastrophic floods that swept through Central Texas this July have left behind unimaginable loss: 119 confirmed dead, including 36 children, 173 people still missing and with entire neighborhoods and summer camps washed away in minutes.
In the face of this devastation, business leaders stepped up—not just with words, but with action.
At the Dave Alexander Center for Social Capital, we’ve long believed that people are the point of profits, not just a means to them. We believe—especially in moments like this—that leadership means showing up for people, not just profits. And that’s exactly what we’ve seen from so many leaders, including one of our honored CEOs, Tom Nolan, and the remarkable team at Kendra Scott.
Through the Kendra Scott Foundation, they’ve launched a compassionate and high-impact response to support those affected:
A direct donation of $500,000 and counting to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
100% of proceeds from Everlyne bracelet sales going toward families and long-term recovery efforts.
Kendra Scott stores throughout Texas serving as drop-off centers for essential supplies—including locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Waco.
This is what social capital looks like in action: purpose-driven leadership, community care, and a business that understands its true role in society. We are deeply grateful to Tom Nolan and Kendra Scott for stepping up in this moment of national heartbreak.
“Texas is our home,” they said. And they meant it.
Corporate Texas: Coming Together for All
But they weren’t alone. Across industries, companies mobilized with speed and empathy for a lightning-fast and staggering outpouring of funds, food, personnel, resources and logistical support:
Walmart & Sam’s Club: $500,000 in donations and matched giving, hot meals via Operation BBQ Relief, and laundry trucks with Tide & Whirlpool.
Home Depot: $250,000 plus boots-on-the-ground support from Team Depot and nonprofit partners.
AT&T: Mobile Connectivity Center in Kerrville, FirstNet emergency response, and critical tech supplies.
USAA: $500,000 and volunteer deployment with Team Rubicon.
Dell Technologies: $1 million from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, plus employee donation matching.
Raising Cane’s: $1 million from founder Todd Graves to the Red Cross.
James Avery: $1 million and 100% of proceeds from their “Deep in the Heart of Texas” charm.
Whataburger: Feeding first responders and supporting long-term recovery.
Lowe’s: Relief supplies and “Bucket Brigade” events in Kerrville and San Angelo.
T-Mobile: Wi-Fi and charging stations, SatCOLT deployment, and drone support for rescue teams.
NFL, NBA, MLB Teams: More than $5 million combined from the Cowboys, Texans, Spurs, Mavericks, Rockets, Astros and Rangers.
These aren’t just donations. These are real proofs of their commitment to helping the community, and their belief that it is their responsibility to help it heal.
The Future of Business Is Human
This flood has reminded us that business is not separate from society—it is society. The companies that responded didn’t wait for permission. They weren’t required to do this by any agency.
But they did—and they do—realize it is required for any and all businesses in the world today to recognize that taking care of the people in the communities where you operate should be written into your operating agreement.
At the Center for Social Capital, www.socapcenter.com we believe this is the new standard.
Not just in times of crisis but in everyday leadership. The CEOs and companies who showed up for Texas are showing us what the future looks like: empathetic, responsive and deeply human.
To every business that stepped forward: We see you and we thank you. And to those still watching from the sidelines: The waters may recede, but the need for people-centric leadership is growing. And that is a tidal wave that, instead of bringing loss and despair, will lift all of us to greater heights of prosperity and happiness than we have ever known.
Chris Benguhe is the Founder and President, The Dave Alexander Center for Social Capital