Bears grateful for Baylor family’s support on anniversary of Hurricane Ike

A year ago tomorrow, Hurricane Ike made landfall, devastating much of the Texas coast near Galveston. Here at Baylor, the University immediately sprung into action, providing counselors and financial aid for students whose families suffered in the storm and working to help others from the coast who needed assistance.

Down in Galveston, a family of Bears fought their way back home to find their surfside store, Ocean Oso’s, surrounded by a sea of destruction. Brian (BBA ’95) and Kristen (BA ’99) Ethridge had opened the shop four years ago on Galveston’s Stewart Beach. As Ike approached, Kristen and the couple’s six-month-old daughter, Carrie, evacuated to Kristen’s parents house in Katy while Brian and an employee boarded up and packed away as much merchandise as possible. Brian then headed to his parents’ house in Waco to wait out the storm.

Even before Ike landed, the couple received offers of assistance from Baylor friends; their fellow tailgaters volunteered to help clean up as soon as the storm passed. As it turned out, it was almost six weeks before the Ethridges were able to return to the island, even longer before electricity was restored and they could clean out the store, and five months before they could move back home. But thanks to friends and family, a year later, things are looking up. The store re-opened in March, and 2009 has proved to be a strong season for Ocean Oso’s, as travelers returned to Galveston — including many of the couple’s Baylor friends who came down on vacation. The store may even be able to expand its offerings next year. (See a photo gallery of the store before and after the storm here.)

What a great example of the Baylor family coming together! It’s so reassuring to know that should my family need it, there’s a community of Bears out there ready and willing to help.

Sic ’em, Ocean Oso’s, and sic ’em, Baylor family!