Sixth Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Duck Race Raises over $100,000
July 29, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – July 29, 2009 – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands has tallied up the proceeds from its sixth annual Rubber Duck Race, which took place Sunday, July 19, and proudly announces the total at $101,300. The raised funds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, which operates 31 before and after-school Clubs and serves three thousand local children.
“We are extremely heartened by the good turn-out,” said Carter Clark, Chief Professional Officer with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands. “It’s wonderful to see so much of the community coming out to support us.”
Thousands of people turned out for the event, which was held at Saluda Shoals Park from 1:00 – 6:00 pm. The price of admission was a rubber duck, which were available for $5 each at Bi-Lo, First Citizens Bank, and the park gates. Amidst the free food, games and entertainment, the main attraction was when thousands of rubber ducks were dropped into the river by bulldozer. The winning duck, owned by Laurie Turnblom, garnered a cash award of $1000. The second-place winner earned $500, and the duck coming in third won $250.
“We’d like to give a huge thank-you to both BI-LO and First Citizens Bank for making the event so successful,” said Clark. The two businesses promoted the event with duck sales and on-site fundraising, with First Citizens Bank collecting $25,300. BI-LO’s contribution topped $55,000 because of a corporate sponsorship in addition to its fundraising.
The Duck Race was one of many activities that are scheduled to commemorate the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands’ 50th anniversary in 2009. Visit www.bgcmidland.org for details.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands:
Locally, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands has touched the lives of over 8,000 area children. Our 31 Clubs see over 3,000 children come through their doors every week. In these Clubs, our Members find a safe place where they can have fun and be themselves. The Clubs offer activities that highlight five core areas: Character & Leadership Development, Education & Career Development, Health & Life Skills, The Arts and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. Now, more than ever, it is important that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a positive atmosphere. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands is making that happen every day, one child at a time.
