Wilmer Valderrama isn’t just about Hollywood and red carpets—he’s about action. The NCIS star and his team at E.P.U. rolled into Town ‘n’ Country, Florida, with a mission: to help a community still reeling from back-to-back hurricanes that tore through the area last fall.
Town ‘n’ Country was hit hard twice. First, Hurricane Helene unleashed massive storm surges that left streets underwater, homes in ruins, and residents scrambling for safety. Before the community had a chance to recover, Hurricane Milton came in like an unwelcome sequel, leaving an even bigger mess in its wake. Piles of waterlogged belongings lined curbsides, insurance battles dragged on, and families were left figuring out how to start over.
Fast-forward to Saturday, March 29, and the rebuilding spirit was stronger than ever. Wilmer Valderrama and his team joined forces with Operation BBQ Relief and the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office for a day dedicated to giving back. The event provided resources and reminded residents they weren’t alone in this fight.
Serving Up Support (and BBQ!)
At the heart of the event was a simple but powerful gesture: a hot meal. The Operation BBQ Relief team served over 2,500 plates of food, with Wilmer and his crew right there in the mix, serving and connecting with locals. Sometimes, a warm plate of food is more than just nourishment; it’s a sign of hope.
Beyond the BBQ, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office was on-site to assist homeowners and business owners still dealing with the aftermath of the storms. From guidance on property claims to essential paperwork, the goal was to provide real, tangible help where it was needed most.
More Than Just Activewear
E.P.U. stands for E Pluribus Unum—Latin for Out of Many, One—and that message couldn’t be more fitting for a day like this. Wilmer’s activewear brand doesn’t just promote movement; it promotes unity. A portion of the sales supports the USO and its mission to aid service members and their families, making it more than just a fashion statement.
At the end of the day, this wasn’t about celebrity spotlight or brand promotion; it was about people.
It was about neighbors helping neighbors, strangers coming together, and proving that even after the worst storms, a community’s strength can outshine any disaster.