COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Since 1992, little rubber ducks have raced down the Sauk River at Waterworks Park in Coldwater as one of the area’s most unique fundraisers, and the latest edition is today.
What started out as the Great Hospice Duck Race has donated over $800,000 to community causes, including hospice support services.
For the first 30 years the event started by Pete Barone and a volunteer committee donated the proceeds to the Community Health Center and Promedica Home Health and Hospice program. Once those programs were eliminated by the hospital, the Coldwater Noon Exchange Club took over the race.
This year’s event was renamed The John Roloff Coldwater Exchange Club Duck Race. Rohloff was part of the original committee, and each year guarantees 125 sponsors at $125 each.
This year’s proceeds will to Royal Family Kids Camp, which provides a summer camp experience for children in foster care, the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and Oaklawn Hospice which services Branch County.
There are 25 prizes this year, with the race winner receiving $2,025 in cash donated by Dutcher Funeral Home.
Activities begin with kids games, a silent auction, food, and music at 11:00 a.m., the Ducknitary Race for race sponsors at 12:30 p.m., and the main race with thousands of plastic ducks dumped into the Sauk River from the bridge at Sprague Street at 1:15 p.m.
Ducks are $5.00 each or five for $20.00 and will be available at Waterworks Park prior to the race.
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