Candlelight vigil held for Central Texas flood victims in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A candlelight vigil was held at the West Texas Abilene Raceway on Tuesday evening to honor and remember the victims of the Central Texas flooding, as well as their loved ones. A small group gathered to share their personal experiences and pay tribute to those who were affected by the floods.

Raceway Administrative Assistant and vigil organizer, Miranda Pohlman, told KTAB/KRBC that the number of attendees is of little importance, as the purpose of the night is to provide support and community for those in need, whether that be 12 or 1,200.

“We’re only an hour from San Angelo, three hours from Camp Mystic, where those girls tragically passed away. Where we’re based in Fort Worth, we’re only an hour away from where we live, so it would have been selfish of us not to put something together for the community,” Pohlman said.

On Tuesday night, July 22, and throughout the preceding weeks, raceway staff collected donations, including pet supplies, hygiene items, monetary contributions, and non-perishable foods. They will be partnering with a yet-to-be-decided local organization that is already making supply runs to Central Texas to deliver the donations to those in need.

Music for the event was provided by co-organizer Erasmo Zamora, also known as DJ MexMix. Following a message delivered by Pastor Steve Longmire, the raceway announcer, attendees began to share their own experiences, fears, and concerns, showcasing the true meaning of the vigil.

Raceway staff told KTAB/KRBC that there are no current plans for another donation drive, but potential exists should the need arise.