‘Supernatural’ Star Jensen Ackles Launches Hurricane Harvey Relief Fundraiser

UPDATE: Monday, Aug. 28 — “Supernatural” fans responded to the call for help quickly and hit the $50,000 goal in less than a day. The campaign is now seeking to raise $100,000.

Original story: Jensen Ackles is hoping “Supernatural” fans will help his home state. The Texas native launched a fundraiser with his new company to raise money for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The tropical storm caused torrential downpours and catastrophic flooding in the southeastern part of Texas. The Houston metro area is the region most affected.

Ackles lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife Danneel Harris Ackles (“One Tree Hill”) and their three children when he isn’t busy filming “Supernatural” in Vancouver. The Dean Winchester actor is even starting a small beer business in Austin called Family Business Beer Company. The brewers have launched a CrowdRise campaign to help their fellow Texans. They hope to raise $50,000.

“Let’s help out Texas Flood Victims and Victims of Hurricane Harvey!” the page says. “We are partnering with Random Acts to make sure 100% of this drive goes to families impacted by this tragedy! Xx Jensen, Danneel, Gino, Nate, Ed, Debby and All of us here at Family Business Beer Company.”

Random Acts is a nonprofit founded by Ackles’ co-star Misha Collins. The actor, who plays Castiel on the CW drama, started the charity in 2009 in an effort to fund more random acts of kindness.

“Supernatural” fans immediately started donating as soon as Ackles and his wife asked. “All hands on deck. Neighbors helping neighbors,” Ackles tweeted.

Within just a few hours, the fandom had raised over $10,000. However, that won’t surprise the fans of the fantasy show. “Supernatural” viewers, also known as the SPNFamily, have raised plenty of money for good causes before.

After revealing that he suffered from depression, Sam Winchester actor Jared Padalecki started encouraging the fans to help those with mental illness. He and Ackles have both launched several “Always Keep Fighting” campaigns through Represent, a website that sells clothing as fundraisers. They’ve donated to organizations such as To Write Love on Her Arms, Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims Fund and more.

The “Supernatural” fandom even has their own hotline for fans who are in trouble. The Crisis Support Network is described by Random Acts as “a community support system that the #SPNFamily can turn to to support or help those suffering from mental health issues, such as depression, self-injury, or addiction; or those affected by cyberbullying.”

Fan volunteers are trained to counsel other “Supernatural” audience members dealing with these serious problems. Random Acts was able to launch the hotline with the help of IMAlive, To Write Love on Her Arms and Pop Culture Hero Coalition.

Before Ackles launched the hurricane relief fundraiser with his business, Padalecki had encouraged fans to donate to the Red Cross to help those affected by the tropical storm.

Collins also tweeted about resources who those who need relief or want to help.

They later joined Ackles and Richard Speight Jr. on Instagram to thank fans for their participation. Ackles clarified that the money will be split between several different local organizations.

Ackles and Padalecki both grew up in Texas. Ackles is a Dallas native while Padalecki grew up in San Antonio. They are currently in Canada filming “Supernatural.” The show will return for Season 13 on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. EDT on The CW.