If you catch a glimpse of the Smith River near the sports complex on the afternoon of Aug. 21, you’re likely to do a double take. At least 10,000 bright yellow rubber ducks will be making their way down the river in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge.
Adopt a duck before the seventh annual Blue Ridge Duck Race, and your little darling could be one of the thousands to bounce down the river.
The annual event is one of the primary fundraisers for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge, which, since 2005, has been providing after-school and summer programs for youth in Martinsville and Henry County.
The Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place to learn and grow, give youth the opportunity to develop relationships with caring adult professionals, and offer life-enhancing and character-building programs and experiences. The duck race supports the organization’s mission of enabling all young people — especially those who are most in need — to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Jones & DeShon Orthodontics has supported the Blue Ridge Duck Race for several years. Dr. J and Dr. D believe in the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs and in the work the organization does in the Martinsville-Henry County community.
So how does the duck race work? It’s easy.
Just adopt a single duck ($5), a quack pack (6 ducks for $25) or a flock (25 ducks for $100). Volunteers will add waterproof labels with tag numbers to the bottoms of each duck. Then the tag numbers will be matched up with the ducks purchased. For example, if you buy a flock of ducks, which is 25 ducks, you’ll be assigned 25 tag numbers that correspond to the labels on the ducks.
The ducks will enter the water about 3 p.m. on the day of the event and “race” to the end. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. You could win up to $2,500!!
But what does adopting a duck really do for the Boys & Girls Clubs? We’re glad you asked.
- A single duck can provide supplies for one club member who participates in the “Power Hour” homework assistance program.
- A quack pack of six ducks gives five club members the opportunity to go on a field trip during the school year.
- A flock of 25 ducks provides 60 days of safe, fun-filled after-school programming for one club member.
Help us help others! Adopt a duck today!