Mega Doctor News
McALLEN, Texas — The United States is experiencing increasing food insecurity, with about 47.4 million Americans facing limited or uncertain access to adequate food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Unfortunately, food insecurity is a significant issue in the Rio Grande Valley, affecting a disproportionate percentage of the population due to factors like extreme poverty, economic strain and limited access to affordable, nutritious food, particularly fresh produce.
This holiday season, American Advertising Federation–Rio Grande Valley (AAF-RGV) is hoping to strike out hunger across the four-county region.
The organization will host its fourth annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen, with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year.
Teams of five can register for $300 per team, with sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and individuals who want to make a bigger impact. Bowlers and sponsors alike are invited to let the good times roll while helping support those in need this holiday season.
“This year, the need is greater than ever,” said Sally Fraustro-Guerra AAF-RGV President. “The Food Bank of theRGV is seeing record demand at a time when critical funding and federal food assistance have been reduced. Our goal is to turn a fun night of bowling into real help for families in need across the RGV.”
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley serves as a critical lifeline for families across the region, providing food assistance to approximately 93,000 people every week through more than 275 partner agencies in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.
Unfortunately, this summer, the Food Bank lost $1.2 million in funding, which has resulted in empty shelves and reduced inventory at a time of growing need with the federal government shutdown halting SNAP benefits in November, leaving thousands of Valley residents without essential food assistance.
More than 310,000 Valley residents rely on SNAP — including about 162,000 children and 51,000 seniors. Without SNAP, more families are turning to the Food Bank for emergency support.
Every $1 donated provides up to five meals for families in need, according to the Food Bank of the RGV, while every SNAP dollar lost is estimated to equal $1.54 in lost economic activity in the community.
“Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday break,” said Arlina Larson, Director of Major Gifts, Food Bank of the RGV. “Community-driven events like AAF-RGV’s bowling tournament help us keep our shelves stocked and ensure children, seniors, and working families have food on the table.”
In addition to supporting the Food Bank, individuals are also encouraged to register for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which matches donors with children in need of holiday gifts. Participants can sign up in advance to sponsor an Angel Tree child and bring their gift to the tournament to help brighten a child’s holiday with a specific, personally selected present.
Event Details
• What: 4th Annual AAF-RGV “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament
• When: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:30 check-in
• Where: Flamingo Bowl, McAllen, Texas
• Teams: 5 bowlers per team | $300 per team
• Beneficiaries: Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley & Salvation Army Angel Tree
• Extras: Sponsorships available; non-perishable food donations will be accepted on site
Teams are encouraged to bring their competitive spirit—and their ugliest holiday attire—as they bowl for bragging rights and a meaningful cause.
To register a team, secure a sponsorship or learn more about the event, visit the AAF-RGV website. For additional information, contact Maria Alvarez at aaf.riograndevalley@gmail.com.
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 Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley
Founded in 1986, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is one of the largest food banks in Texas, distributing millions of pounds of food annually through a network of partner agencies. Its mission is to alleviate hunger and improve the lives of families in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties.
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.
