Check Out These 12 West Texas Rehab Fundraisers You Can Support

The West Texas Rehabilitation Center has been part of my life longer than most people know.

When I attended Abilene High School, I wore a prosthetic arm. As I grew, that arm needed adjustments so it would fit and function properly. Instead of making the long trip to Dallas-Fort Worth Children's Hospital, the people at West Texas Rehab stepped in and helped me.

That is something I have never forgotten.

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West Texas Rehab Helped Me Personally

I was born with a limb difference caused by thalidomide exposure, and organizations like the Texas Crippled Children’s Association and Easter Seals helped provide prosthetic care when I was young.

Here in Abilene, West Texas Rehab became part of that story.

Years later, when I began my broadcasting career in Abilene in 1978, I found myself backstage at the Abilene Civic Center interviewing celebrities during the annual Rehab telethon. I continued doing that for decades.

So yes, this one is personal.

More Than One Kind of Rehabilitation

West Texas Rehab serves children and adults facing many different challenges. That can include someone recovering from a stroke, heart attack, or automobile accident, a child needing therapy, or a patient working to regain speech, movement, and independence.

Supporting the Rehab can be as simple as walking two miles, eating a burger, playing golf, attending a concert, or going dancing.

Upcoming West Texas Rehab Events

Here are several opportunities already on the 2026 calendar:

July 18 - Free WTRC 2-Mile Run & Walk at the Abilene campus.
July 21 - Dine Out to Give Back at Red Robin in Abilene, with 20% of qualifying purchases supporting the Rehab.
July 21 - Dine Out to Give Back at Fuentes Cafe in San Angelo.
August 16 - Round Up Pig Sale at the Jim Ned Ag Barn in Tuscola.
August 25 - Dine Out to Give Back at Dun-Bar and Stockman’s in San Angelo.
August 27 - Rehab Summer Dinner Show featuring Ashley McBryde at the Abilene Convention Center.
September 12 - 18th Annual Frank Caraway Sporting Clays Classic in San Angelo.
October 1 - Tim Hamilton Golf Classic in memory of Dev Ohre at the Abilene Country Club South Course, benefiting Hospice of the Big Country.
October 8 - San Angelo Dinner Show featuring Gabby Barrett live at the Spur Arena in San Angelo.
October 17 - Boots & Bling at Potosi Live, benefiting Hospice of the Big Country.
November 3 - Sweetwater Shrimp Peel at the Nolan County Coliseum.
December 12 - Big Country Christmas Ball featuring Jody Nix at the WTC Coliseum in Snyder.

Pick One and Be Part of the Mission

You do not have to attend every fundraiser. Pick the one that sounds like you and support it.

I know firsthand what this organization can mean to a young person who needs help. Decades later, I am still grateful for the people who were there when I needed them.

For tickets, event details, and the latest information, visit the West Texas Rehabilitation Center website.

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