Blackman High School cheerleaders help wrangle ducks June 23, 2012, during the annual Duck Derby in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (TMP Photo/M. Willard)
|
|
|
The annual Child Advocacy Center’s Duck Derby sold 10,665 rubber ducks this year, leaving all previous records in the dust.
“The Child Advocacy Center has been racing ducks for five years. That is the record number of ducks sold at the Duck Derby,” CAC Director Sharon De Boer said about the community’s response.
While the final tally isn’t in yet, the fundraiser garnered more than $38,000 from sponsors, more than $18,000 in prize package donations, in-kind contributions and volunteer hours, and likely around $50,000 in duck sales.
Despite temperatures in the high-90s Saturday afternoon, families enjoyed the Duck Derby and Family Fun Festival, held at the Sportsmen’s Club on Medical Center Parkway.
The festival kicked off the activities with games for kids of all ages. A flash mob gathered and danced to the tune of the “Return of the Duck.” Queen of the Quackers Kristin Demos and Kristan Roberts led the dance with the Blackman cheerleaders.
Just before the race, 4 Kings was crowned King of the Wing, presented by T.L’s Trophies, for the best chicken wing competition during the Wing-off. It was a close race between Slick Pig, Kirkenburts, Lanes Trains and Automobiles, Buffalo Wild Wings, and 4 Kings.
And to top off the day, 12,000 rubber ducks raced down the Stones River.
The first duck to cross the finish line was adopted by Mike Bishop of Antioch, who won the grand prize of $5,000 donated by King Quacker Sudsy’s Car Wash. Bishop purchased his duck adoptions at the Child Advocacy Center.
The last duck standing was the very last duck fished out of the water. The prize was presented to Kimberlyn Kellogg, who adopted the duck at the Duck Derby on Race Day.
“In the last five years, we have had wonderful Duck Derbies and Family Fun Festivals, but this was by far the best one yet,” De Boer said. “We want to thank our wonderful community for all of their support of the abused children and families that we serve.”
De Boer went on to say the day would not have been so successful without the support of local businesses, volunteers and staff.
“I especially want to thank all the children who volunteered their time to help abused children in our community. It was a wonderful event and it would not have been possible without each and every one of them,” she said.
Because of the hard work from everyone involved, abused and neglected children from Rutherford and Cannon counties can receive the support and services they need to start the healing process.
“All proceeds of the event will allow the nonprofit Child Advocacy Center to provide services for child abuse, child sexually abused and drug endangered children. More than 7,500 children received services during the past 12 years in Rutherford and Cannon counties,” De Boer said. “We would never have been able to serve that many children without the funding from the Duck Derby.” |
Email
Print
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!