Texas Jewelers Raise Funds for Camp Mystic and Texas Hill Country Flood Relief

By Karen Dybis | July 09, 2025

For 10 years when she was younger, L’Heritage Fine Jewelry founder Lauren Bellemare attended Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country—the same camp now in the headlines after more than 20 campers lost their lives in flash floods.

“Life at Camp Mystic is a world of its own—timeless, sacred, and deeply rooted in tradition,” Bellemare recalls. “You learn to live simply, to lead courageously, and to love each other fiercely.

“But most of all, Camp Mystic is about family—one that lasts long after summer ends,” she says. “You leave with more than memories; you leave with sisters, mentors, role models, and second moms.”

Bellemare has created a charm necklace as a tribute to that special place of her childhood—and to raise money for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Other Texas-based jewelry brands, including James Avery and Kendra Scott, are also raising funds for recovery efforts through sales of certain jewelry pieces.

James Avery Texas Charm — James Avery is raising money for those impacted by Guadalupe River flooding with sales through Aug. 4 of its Deep in the Heart of Texas charm, shown here in sterling silver ($59) but also available in 14k yellow gold.

“It’s a symbol of resilience and hope,” Bellemare says of her jade bead necklace with a golden charm depicting the sun rising over rolling hills (pictured at top). “Wear it close to your heart—and let it be a reminder that healing, like the sunrise, always comes.”

Jewelry companies outside Texas are contributing to fundraising efforts as well. Circa 1700, based in L.A., is auctioning a customizable Secret Talisman Orb on Instagram and will donate all proceeds to the American Red Cross and its Texas Hill Country Disaster Relief Fund. Bids may be submitted in the comments of Circa 1700’s post through 5 p.m. Pacific time on July 11.

“Watching this tragedy unfold has been truly heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the families and communities impacted by this natural disaster,” says Susan Cohen, Circa 1700’s founder and designer. “I wanted to find a way to give back to the people and place that I have gotten to know over the years and that is my husband’s home state.”

She notes: “The winning bidder will be able to completely customize the Secret Talisman Orb, receiving a one-of-a-kind piece while giving to a cause that will help those impacted.”

Jewelers nationwide have expressed grief and support on social media. Texas native Lisa “Lele” Sadoughi announced on Instagram that her namesake brand is making a donation to Lulu’s Memorial Fund and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce emergency fund for Camp Mystic.

Austin-based Kendra Scott will donate 100% of the proceeds from sales of its Everlyne bracelets to flood relief and recovery, and has set up drop-off locations at select Texas stores to collect toiletries, clothing, diapers, and cleaning supplies for those affected by the floods. The Kendra Scott Foundation also is making a donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

James Avery, based in the hard-hit town of Kerrville, will give 100% of proceeds from its Deep in the Heart of Texas charm to help people in the Texas Hill Country and surrounding areas. The company also is donating $1 million “to support urgent needs in the community and the road to recovery,” it said on Instagram.

Circa 1700 fundraiser — *Circa 1700 will customize its 18k gold Small Secret Talisman Orb with four gemstones for the winner of its auction to benefit flood relief.*

The Kendra Scott Everlyne bracelets and James Avery’s Texas charm sold out after their Instagram announcements, and both brands said they are in the process of restocking the fundraising jewelry pieces.

Little Words Project has introduced a limited-edition “Strength” bracelet in honor of Mystic campers and staff and “inspired by the camp’s enduring and colorful spirit,” the New Jersey–based brand said in an Instagram post. All net sales from the piece will be given to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

L’Heritage’s Bellemare, the former Camp Mystic camper, remembers her days there starting with the sun rising over the hills and ending under a canopy of stars. Campers learn about their faith and develop a lifelong love for the land, Bellemare adds.

“As a camper, you spend your days walking from river swims to horseback riding to Sunday vespers, laughter echoing from tribe cheers and cabins filled with friendship,” she says. “There are no phones, no screens—just real connection, genuine fun, and a deep sense of belonging.”

At least 27 people from Camp Mystic, including a counselor and its longtime director, died after the Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet in less than an hour on July 4. In total, more than 100 people have died in the massive flooding, with over 150 still missing.

“You carry with you a heart forever tied to the quiet banks of the Guadalupe,” Bellemare says about the Camp Mystic experience. “For many of us, it is the place that shaped who we are—instilling values that endure even when the unimaginable happens. In times of grief and hardship, the Mystic spirit shows up with prayer, action, and unwavering love.”

Top: L’Heritage Fine Jewelry has debuted this Texas Hill Country Relief necklace ($125) of genuine green jade beads, featuring a 20 mm charm in gold over sterling silver. (Photo courtesy of L’Heritage)