Proceeds from REO Speedwagon [ tickets ]'s "Ridin' The Storm Out" benefit concert could reach more than a half-million dollars, which will go directly to Iowa flood victims, according to a press release.

The July 16 concert, held at Prairie Meadows in Polk County, raised $275,000, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the county. Flood donation collection barrels also remained throughout the Prairie Meadows facility through the weekend and they were expected to bring the total flood victims' donation to $550,000.

Additionally, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie presented REO frontman Kevin Cronin with the key to the city just prior to the band taking the stage.

Cronin and bandmates, whose roots are in the Midwest, also recently assisted the rebuilding effort in Greensburg, KS, after an EF5 tornado hit in May 2007. Cronin also donated concert tickets to victims of the tornado that struck near Lynnville and Sully, IA, in October 2007.