(Photo courtesy of J Bar J Youth Services)
Rotary’s 29th Annual Great Drake Park Duck Race achieved its goal: to raise over $100,000 in duck ticket sales to support community nonprofits which enrich the lives of local children.
“For the third year we’ve met and exceeded our goal,” said Cindi O’Neil, Rotary Club of Bend member and this year’s Duck Race chairperson.
“The Credit Unions Working Together Campaign” provided critical sponsorship funds that increase the pass through dollars that will support several community non-profit organizations including the Bethlehem Inn Kitchen, J Bar J Vocational Project, Court Appointed Special Advocates, The Kids Center, The Giving Plate, Morning Star Family Relief Nursery and the Shepherd’s House.
“Rotary believes that when we close the gap between those less fortunate than the rest of us, we benefit everyone in our community,” O’Neil added. “We are grateful for the partnership and sponsor funds provided by MidOregon, Selco, OnPoint, Oregonians, and First Community Credit Unions.”
The fun family event included a free Kid’s Race and attracted more than 300 participants to Drake Park. Activities included bounce houses, kid’s games, food trucks, live music and of course the floating regatta of plastic ducks numbered to match duck tickets purchased by the public.
The first 16 ducks to reach the finish line became this year’s lucky winners. A Bend family of five won the grand prize $20,000 Robberson Ford-sponsored car voucher. Saxon’s Fine Jewelers graced a second prize winner with diamond stud earrings and Miller Lumber made a Bend couple happy with a Green Mountain Barbecue and Yeti cooler.
“We couldn’t do this without the hard work and dedication of members of the four local Rotary Clubs, the Credit Unions and our generous prize sponsors. We thank them all,” concluded O’Neil.
