Annual Rotary Club Ducky Derby makes big splash
2012 Ducky Derby first place winner Heather Wood with husband Robert Wood, daughter Haylee, and son Landon.
By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Julie Montoya
The 16th Annual Ducky Derby and street festival far exceeded the expectations of Rotarians from the Castle Pines Rotary Club, the Castle Rock Rotary Club, and the Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club.
The three Rotary clubs joined forces and combined efforts for their largest fundraiser of the year. In total, they ended up racing 9,500 rubber duckies – the largest number ever – and raising more than $45,000. There were no $1 million annuity or 2012 Camaro lucky duckies awarded, but there were three cash prize winners and 460 other prize winners.
The funds raised from the event will be divided among the three Rotary clubs and awarded to several different charities. The Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club will be donating to Homes For Our Troops, Project Angel Heart, and Wellspring Community. The Castle Rock Rotary and Castle Pines Rotary have not made their final decisions yet. Past beneficiaries have included Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center, Douglas/Elbert Task Force, Castle Rock Senior Center, Boy Scouts of America, youth programs at Castle View High School such as Interact Club, college scholarships, and leadership training for youth (RYLA).
Ed Brewer, chairman of Ducky Derby 2012 and president of the Castle Rock Rotary Club said, “We are very pleased with the results of this year’s Ducky Derby. The team of rotarians that organized this community fundraiser can be proud of their accomplishments. This year’s event was our most successful. We are especially grateful for the participation of the Castle Pines Rotary Club and the support from the City of Castle Pines and its residents.”
The Castle Pines Connection joined in the fun this year as a media sponsor of the event. Go to www.castlepinesconnection.com and click on “Photo Album” to see a complete slideshow of the event.
