Garry Daeke, development coordinator for Franklin-Granville-Vance (FGV) Smart Start, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the organization’s 9th Annual Ducky Derby Fundraiser.
This race of up to 2,500 rubber ducks will be held in downtown Henderson on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Rubber ducks will begin the race at the corner of Breckenridge and Garnett Street and will race two blocks to Orange Street. “We will open up the fire hydrants, run water and close off some side streets,” Daeke said.
Top prizes of $1000, $500 and $250 will be awarded for a first through third place finish. The last duck to cross the finish line will be awarded $100. Participants do not need to be present for the race to win a prize.
A drawing will also be held at the end of the race for 52 free meals from Chick-fil-A. You must be present to win this drawing.
Tickets for ducks are on sale now and are available for purchase from any F-G-V staff or board member. Ducks will also be available for purchase the day of the event from 10 a.m. until the race begins at 2 p.m.
Ducky options include $5 for a single duck, a “quack pack” of six ducks for $25 or a “flock” of 25 ducks for $100.
To ensure all enter the race in a timely fashion, Greystone Concrete Products of Henderson will pour purchased ducks along with approximately 500 – 1,000 additional gallons of water from their cement truck onto Garnett St.
According to Daeke, hearing the children’s excited reactions to the ducks being poured each year is part of the fun.
Daeke also acknowledged the important role sponsors play in the success of the annual fundraiser. “Most of these sponsors have been with us from the beginning or through the long-term and we want to thank them,” said Daeke. “Their support helps us to get this up and running so that it’s a successful fundraiser for us and our children, who are the benefactors.”
This year’s sponsors include:
Super Ducks – Duke Energy, Fred’s Towing & Transport, Union Bank and Mako Medical Laboratories
Top Ducks – NC Pediatrics, Chick-fil-A and University Dental Associates – Dr. Charles Burnham
Feathered Friends – Rogers Group, McDonalds, Sugar & Spice Preschool, Scotts Trucking Company and Wester Insurance Agency
Quacker Backers – WIZS Radio, Greystone Concrete Products, City of Henderson and Dataforge
All proceeds from the Ducky Derby are used to fund Smart Start programs.
Those interested in purchasing tickets, volunteering at the event or with questions may contact the F-G-V Smart Start office at (252) 433-9110 or visit the NC Smart Start website at www.ncsmartstart.org.
(This is not a paid advertisement)
