**Bowling for a Cause: McAllen Hosts the 4th Annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Tournament**
The American Advertising Federation–Rio Grande Valley (AAF-RGV) is rolling out its 4th Annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on December 3, 2025, at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen, Texas. This festive event aims to support vital community resources, namely the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, amidst concerning food insecurity trends across the nation.
**Aiming to Strike Out Hunger**
The pressing issue of food insecurity affects approximately 47.4 million Americans, with the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) facing a disproportionate impact due to local economic challenges. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, a crucial institution serving over 93,000 individuals weekly, recently lost $1.2 million in funding due to a federal government shutdown. This loss halted SNAP benefits for over 310,000 Valley residents, thus escalating the community’s dependency on charitable support.
Sally Fraustro-Guerra, President of AAF-RGV, underscores the necessity of community events to alleviate these challenges. “The need is greater than ever,” she explained. “Our goal is to turn a fun night of bowling into real support for Valley residents.”
**About the Event**
To participate in the “Keep It Ugly” tournament, teams comprised of five members can register for $300. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by donning their best ugly sweaters. Involvement extends beyond bowling, with businesses and individuals having the opportunity to sponsor the event and further amplify its impact.
Maria Alvarez, a representative for the event, encourages participation, saying, “Every dollar raised translates into meals for our neighbors in need, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for Valley residents to make a difference while having fun.”
**For the Greater Good**
By collaborating with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, the tournament also addresses the needs of children who might otherwise go without holiday gifts. The Angel Tree program enables donors to match with a child in need and deliver gifts that can brighten the child’s holiday celebrations.
Arlina Larson, Director of Major Gifts at the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, shares that “food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday break.” Therefore, community-driven events like the AAF-RGV’s tournament are crucial in combating adversity and ensuring that no family goes without food during the holiday season.
**Local Impact on the RGV**
The loss of SNAP benefits has placed an unprecedented strain on the Food Bank and its numerous partner agencies spread across Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. With many Valley residents facing food scarcity due to poverty and economic difficulties, events like the “Keep It Ugly” tournament play an essential role in reinforcing community solidarity and ensuring essential resources reach those who need them most.
Jose Ferrara, a local resident who regularly volunteers at the Food Bank, highlights the intertwined relationship between local events and community welfare. “When local organizations prioritize their community, they introduce positive change,” he said. “It’s uplifting to see Valley residents unite for a cause benefiting everyone.”
**Future Prospects for Community Development**
While the immediate aim of the “Keep It Ugly” tournament is to address pressing issues like food insecurity, the event could have lasting impacts by setting a precedent for continuous philanthropic engagement in the RGV. Real estate agent Carla Mendoza believes the initiative could inspire future community projects. “These gatherings don’t just resolve issues today; they foster a culture of compassion and communal responsibility that will resonate for years,” she observed.
**Join the Cause**
The “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament embodies the collective spirit needed to battle significant challenges faced by communities like the Rio Grande Valley. For Valley residents interested in adding their support to this cause, additional registration details and sponsorship opportunities are available on the AAF-RGV’s website. For more inquiries, Maria Alvarez can be reached via email at aaf.riograndevalley@gmail.com.
**Learn More About Our Community Partners**
– **AAF-RGV**: Part of the national American Advertising Federation, AAF-RGV promotes advertising excellence in the RGV and is dedicated to advancing community well-being through impactful events.
– **Food Bank of the RGV**: Operational since 1986, this is one of Texas’s largest food banks, contributing to essential food distribution efforts across three counties.
– **Salvation Army Angel Tree**: This program connects generous donors with children in need, ensuring they experience joy and dignity during the holiday season.
Through events like this, McAllen and the greater RGV area illustrate how community engagement can overcome adversities. In joining or supporting these efforts, residents strengthen their community’s resilience, showcasing South Texas’s enduring spirit.
For more information and to become involved, Valley residents can access AAF-RGV’s website to register their teams or directly sponsor the event. Let’s add our support to a worthy cause and bowl for a better tomorrow.
