The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the American Advertising Federation is sponsoring a “Time to Give, Grinches” bowling tournament on Dec. 7 with all proceeds going to food pantries at local colleges and universities.
The ugly sweater bowling tournament will take place at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen. AAF says it’s all part of a public service initiative to give back to the community.
“We wanted to take on a meaningful cause and make a difference,” said A.B. Barrera who serves as second lieutenant governor of the AAF 10th District. “We’ve learned that some of our students today have to choose between buying lunch or putting gas in their cars to get to class. It’s been an ongoing problem, but the recent pandemic really brought the issue to light.”
According to the Agriculture Department, some 20 million American college and university students are facing hunger or food insecurity. The latter is defined as a household having “limited or uncertain access to adequate food.”
“This is not a local problem. This is a serious national issue,” said AAF-RGV Chapter President Maria Alvarez. “RGV colleges and universities all have food pantries to help their students and the AAF is doing its part to help these young men and women succeed at their education goals.”
A Local Effort
At South Texas College, the greatest need is on the Starr County campus where the poverty rate is at 25 percent according to U.S. Census data.
“We not only give out food to the students; we make sure they are taking enough home for their families,” said Campus Administrator Arturo Montiel. “Any given month we have 40 to 50 students coming to the food pantry and we’re helping to feed anywhere from 165 to 200 family members.”
Local colleges and universities stock their food banks through special grants and donations or through partnerships with community food banks.
Twenty-four teams will vie for bragging rights at the “Time to Give, Grinches” bowling tournament. Sponsorships of different levels are available and teams of four can sign up for $150. Trophies will go to first-, second- and third-place teams, and awards to the tackiest, ugliest, holiday outfit and team spirit. The evening also includes door prizes, food and drink.
“It’s a chance to have fun, network with advertising folks and all for a great cause,” said AAF member and bowling tournament organizer Kim Selber. “If you can’t come out and bowl, you can still help by being a sponsor or even sending us an HEB gift card for the college food banks to distribute to students.”