BELTON, Texas — The seed was planted for Belton restaurant owner Ronnie Schoepf when customers were describing the devastation left behind by the May 2024 tornadoes.
"The same stories kept getting told over and over," Schoepf said. "People talking about the really old oak tree that got blown over or damaged, or ripped out by the roots because a lot of the ground was really saturated and wet."
Back in 2010, Belton's big flood nearly destroyed Schoepf's family restaurant, Schoepf's BBQ, and he knows how it feels to not know what to do next.
"We understand loss and devastation," Schoepf said. "A simple hug back then was something that made me feel better. We're hoping these trees will put a little smile, a little something to watch grow and get back to normal."
Schoepf organized the "Rockin' to Replant" benefit concert, planned for June 15 at Schoepf's BBQ Backyard stage. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 3 at 10 a.m. and it's sponsored by Schoepf's BBQ, 93 Nursery & Landscape Supply, Texas Tour Gear, Red's Custom Tees, Marshall Lawn Design, Tanner Roofing, Beierman Construction and Presenting Sponsor BELFOR.
They're hoping more businesses and individuals will support the cause to replant live oak trees for Central Texas families that have been impacted by the recent storms.
"The devastation is just unbelievable," said 93 Nursery and Landscaping Supply Owner Andrew Voelter. "We've gone out in the neighborhoods, gone to our customers, family, friends and we see the houses and yards. It just breaks your heart."
They're partnering with Schoepf's to be able to provide the trees and have their team plant them after the benefit concert.
"After the storm, we were racking our brains trying to figure out what we could do for the community and my phone rings and there's Ronnie," said Voelter.
Voelter thought it was a great idea and jumped on board.
Anyone who suffered tree damage is eligible to enter for their chance to receive a tree through the ticketing website and the more sponsors that step up, the more trees they can plant.
"I hope we plant 1,000," Voelter said. "It depends on how much money we can raise and the individuals and businesses we can get to come together. If we can just be a small part of replanting and getting them to move forward, it's great for us."
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