In just one week, Scott Kaufmann, founder of the charity organization Ride and Rise Above, organized a flood relief fundraiser at Gravity Check Saloon and Arena that raised more than $36,000 for victims of recent flooding in Texas.
“My nonprofit’s core mission is to help veterans with PTSD,” Kaufmann said. “But that’s not all we do. This is by far the most important fundraiser I will ever do.”
The event, held Sunday, drew a “record-breaking” turnout, according to Gravity Check owner Slim Bethune. There was standing room only, and pork chop barbecue plates sold out within the first hour.
The live auction featured more than 137 items, all donated by local businesses and individuals. Offerings ranged from antique paintings and signed musical instruments to a two-day resort stay at Tapatio Springs, ammunition, knives, 90-minute massages and more. Volunteer Becca Estes-Knapp said she was overwhelmed by the volume of donations.
“I mean, we have everything from hair trimming to tickets to Trail Boss,” Estes-Knapp said. “They keep coming.”
Before the auction began, Kaufmann invited three families impacted by the floods on stage to help attendees understand exactly where the proceeds would go.
“You can ask them where your money goes,” Kaufmann said. “I’m not saving a dollar. I have no overhead.”
He also shared the story of one young family devastated by the floods.
“Spencer [the husband/father] lived in Ingram,” Kaufmann said. “He had to push his wife, kids and service dog all the way up to the roof. His service dog got severely injured in the flood and needed multiple surgeons. Every veterinarian kicked in their time to save him.”
Just prior to the event, Kaufmann also distributed $9,000 to five charities assisting in the flood response.
“Every one of my fundraisers has been important—I do not want to diminish them,” Kaufmann said. “But this one is extra special.”
Kaufmann has managed Ride and Rise Above for 10 years and became a self-taught auctioneer to better support fundraising events.
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