Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas — Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, build confidence and discover their unique potential. For the millions of children living with developmental disabilities, access to early support and inclusive experiences can be life-changing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in six children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the United States has a developmental disability. Because the brain develops rapidly in early childhood, timely intervention, specialized services and enriching experiences can have a lasting impact on a child’s future.
In the Rio Grande Valley, Capable Kids has spent more than a decade empowering children and young adults with autism, developmental differences, physical disabilities and other unique needs through adaptive programs, inclusive activities and family-centered support.
This holiday season, local residents will have an opportunity to knock down barriers, roll support toward local families and strike up some holiday cheer while giving back to a worthy cause.
The American Advertising Federation-Rio Grande Valley (AAF-RGV) will host its fifth annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at Main Event in Pharr, with proceeds benefiting Capable Kids.
Teams of four can register for $350, and sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals looking to make an even greater impact. Participants are encouraged to lace up their bowling shoes, don their ugliest holiday attire and let the good times roll while supporting programs that help local children and young adults thrive.
“This year’s tournament is about more than bowling,” said Dr. Kimberly Selber, President, AAF-RGV. “It’s about rallying our community around organizations that are changing lives and helping families stay on the right lane toward success.”
Founded in 2015 by a group of speech, occupational and physical therapists, Capable Kids was established to address the shortage of inclusive opportunities available to individuals with disabilities throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Today, the nonprofit’s three cornerstone programs, CK Sports, CK Social and CK Impact, help participants develop physical skills, build meaningful relationships, gain confidence and work toward greater independence.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors, Capable Kids continues to remove financial barriers that might otherwise limit access to these valuable experiences. From adaptive sports and creative arts to sensory activities, job readiness training and independent living education, the organization’s programs help participants explore new interests, strengthen life skills and reach important personal milestones.
“Every dollar raised helps children and young adults gain confidence, develop practical life skills and pursue greater independence while experiencing the joy of sports, friendship and inclusion,” said Bobbie Krynicki, Chief Executive Officer, Capable Kids. “Community-driven events like AAF-RGV’s bowling tournament are essential to sustaining the programs and resources that empower individuals and families across our region.”
In addition to supporting Capable Kids, attendees are encouraged to participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Community members can register in advance to sponsor a child, purchase a requested gift and bring it to the tournament to help make the holidays brighter for local families in need.
Teams are encouraged to bring their competitive spirit and ugliest holiday attire as they bowl for bragging rights, prizes and the chance to make a meaningful difference. After all, every frame played helps create opportunities for local children to learn, grow and succeed.
To register a team, become a sponsor or learn more about the event, visit the AAF-RGV website. For additional information, contact Maria Alvarez or Tom Castañeda at aaf.riograndevalley@gmail.com.
Event Details
What: 5th Annual AAF-RGV “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament
When: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | Check-in at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Main Event, Pharr, Texas
Teams: Four bowlers per team | $350 per team
Beneficiaries: Capable Kids and Salvation Army Angel Tree
Sponsorships: Available
About AAF Rio Grande Valley
An affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), AAF-RGV is a non-profit professional trade association of professionals in the creative fields dedicated to advertising excellence in and around the Rio Grande Valley region. The AAF is a national organization empowered by 30,000+ professionals in 150+ professional advertising clubs, 140+ college chapters and 60+ corporations. The AAF works to advance the broad interests of the advertising industry, including the freedom to truthfully advertise legal products.
About Capable Kids
Since 2015, Capable Kids continued to grow and evolve, expanding our efforts to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities within the Rio Grande Valley.
About the Salvation Army Angel Tree
The Salvation Army Angel Tree program connects donors with children in need, providing holiday gifts such as clothing and toys. By “adopting” an Angel, individuals and organizations help ensure that children in their community experience the joy and dignity of a special holiday season.
Information source: STHS
