Eight members, $140,000 raised: Kerrville Sunrise Lions Club punches far above its weight in flood relief
The club’s appeal to donors is speed. Unlike large grant-making organizations, the Sunrise Lions can get emergency funds into family hands within days.
There are three Lions Clubs in Kerrville. The Sunrise chapter — the morning club — has eight members.
Those eight people, working together after the 2025 flood, established a 501(c)(3) foundation and raised $140,000 in direct relief funds distributed to flood-impacted local families.
Amanda DuBose, a speech-language pathologist and Sunrise Lion since 2015, appeared Monday on Lead Live.
The club’s appeal to donors is speed. Unlike large grant-making organizations, the Sunrise Lions can get emergency funds into family hands within days. After the 2025 flood, they set up free cookouts in Hunt alongside linen giveaways in the Walmart parking lot for families in temporary shelter, and coordinated Home Depot shopping days where flood-impacted families could purchase building materials directly with Lions funds.
The 2026 flood has been harder. Minimal national coverage — due to the absence of mass casualties — has meant almost no incoming donations, even as local damage is extensive. The club currently has 25 registered families awaiting assistance, with damage ranging from minor water intrusion to homes stripped to the studs.
Year-round programs include a Christmas for Kids initiative — Walmart shopping trips for low-income children focused on winter coats, hats, gloves, socks, and pajamas rather than toys — a flag program placing flags outside local businesses for Texas and national holidays, and vision support covering eye exams and glasses for residents in need.
Sunrise Lions meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6:45 a.m. at the Dietert Center — breakfast and coffee provided — and the third Thursday at 5:45 p.m. at Bill’s Barbecue. Sept. 11 is their next flag placement day.
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