7th Annual What the Duck? Rubber Duck Race Makes a Splash for Sarah's Friends

This past weekend, supporters gathered at Stoney Ridge Winery for the 7th Annual What the Duck? Rubber Duck Race benefiting Sarah's Friends, and what a night it was!

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With perfect weather, a steady breeze across the pond, and an incredible community turnout, this year's event was one of our most successful yet. All 300 ducks were officially adopted before the race began, helping raise critical funds to support survivors of crime in our community.

This year also brought some exciting new additions to the event.

For the first time ever, donors had the opportunity to purchase an upgraded "advantage duck" for $25, and supporters jumped at the chance! All 12 ducks sold out quickly, and they absolutely lived up to the hype. The larger ducks surged ahead early in the race and created an exciting showdown near the finish line that had everyone cheering from the shoreline.

We also introduced our brand-new 2nd Chance Board, giving attendees another fun way to participate and support the mission throughout the evening.

In total, the event featured:

• 300 ducks sold

• 12 upgraded advantage ducks sold out

• 8 event sponsors contributing $1,600

• Over $5,300 raised for Sarah's Friends

And congratulations to the $100 winner of our 2nd Chance Board and to the owner of luck duck #273, this year's official race winner!

One of the most meaningful moments came during the 50/50 drawing, when the winner generously chose to donate their winnings back to Sarah's Friends. Acts of kindness like this continue to remind us how deeply our community believes in supporting survivors and the services we provide.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Stoney Ridge Winery for once again hosting this event and providing such a beautiful setting for a fun-filled evening, and generously donating $1 from each flatbread sale to Sarah's Friends. Their continued support means so much to our organization.

A huge thank you also goes to 732 Electric Duo for providing live entertainment throughout the event. Not only did they keep the atmosphere lively with great music all evening long, but they also helped announce event activities and attendees throughout their set.

Most importantly, thank you to every sponsor, volunteer, donor, attendee, and duck adopter who made this event possible. Because of your support, Sarah's Friends can continue providing advocacy, support, and resources to survivors throughout our community.

Until next year...What the duck! 🦆

Event sponsors:

D&M Tire & Service Center

FTRP LLC

Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2233

Main Stop

Midwest Community Federal Credit Union

Spangler Candy Company

Thiel Construction/Thiel Supply

Woolace Electric