Rotary Club of Washington to Host First-Ever D.C. Duck Derby April 30, 2016

Washington, D.C.’s first ever D.C. Duck Derby is set for April 30, 2016. The Rotary Club of Washington D.C. will host the event on the Anacostia River at The Yards Park thanks in part to a partnership with the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District (BID), Club President David O. Treadwell announced.

“This will be an enjoyable family event for people of all ages and a chance for sponsors to join the D.C. Rotary Club as it continues more than a century of service to our community,” Treadwell said.

The Anacostia River and the surrounding area, including The Yards Park, feature many attractions and unique businesses and provide a perfect backdrop for the Duck Derby rubber duck race and festival activities.

Community members and organizations will have the opportunity to “adopt” rubber ducks that will be released onto a quarter-mile race course in the Anacostia River. Significant prizes will be awarded to the top 10 place winners in the Duck Derby race, with a chance for one very large prize offered through a corporate sponsor.

The fund-raising event is modeled on many successful events conducted by Rotary Clubs, including one run for the last 24 years in Aspen, Colorado. (Watch this video for more on the long-running Aspen event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FOZQqXdpwgc.)

Event proceeds from the rubber duck adoption fees will benefit people and communities in need by way of the Rotary Club of Washington D.C., part of an international service organization involved in local and international projects with more than 30,000 clubs worldwide. Funds raised through this event provide annual grants in excess of $140,000 to more than 30 local non-profits, hosts career fairs for D.C. high school students, provides dictionaries to local 3rd graders, and feeds the homeless every month in the nation’s capital.

Youth groups and other community organizations will have the opportunity to sell duck adoptions and keep a portion of the proceeds as a fundraiser.

In addition to the Duck Derby race itself, the day will include a festival showcasing community organizations, youth groups, schools and local talent at The Yards Park. “There will also be entertainment including food, artists, and music from live bands and DJs. We are expecting the Duck Derby to draw more than 1,000 people,” Treadwell said.

“Plans are moving ahead and we already have a number of public-spirited sponsors on board, “ Derby chairperson Lisa G. McCurdy said. “We’re looking forward to a great time at The Yards Park next spring!”

Local organizations interested in hosting a duck adoption fundraiser are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. Companies, non-profits and community organizations interested in various sponsorship opportunities should also contact the Rotary Club.

Ongoing updates and additional information will be posted to the Duck Derby Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DCDuckDerby and at www.DCDuckDerby.org.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, email Jennifer Galloway at wolcotthillgroup@gmail.com or Ross Grantham at dixongrantham@gmail.com.

About the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C.

Through its foundation, the club provides annual grants to more than 30 local non-profits, hosts career fairs for D.C. high school students, hands out dictionaries to all D.C. 3rd-grade students, and helps feed the homeless every month in the nation’s capital. The Rotary Club consists of community leaders committed to uniting for the common good and the motto “Service Above Self.” At weekly meetings, the Rotary Club hosts great speakers from across the country and worldwide, including Ambassadors, business, government, and non-profit leaders. Visit us at www.dcrotaryfoundation.org and www.dcrotary.org for more information.