Rubber Ducks Race for MS Research

There are lots and lots of charities and organizations in need of funds these days. Some call on the phone asking for dollars—something everyone looks forward to. Some stand on street corners and others have a dinner or activity connected to it.

One of the charities we support is that of multiple sclerosis. Our daughter-in-law, Lynette, was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago while still in her 20s. 

When she wakes up in the morning, she never knows if the disease has taken her eyesight or the ability to walk as she lay sleeping soundly in her bed. It would be devastating, especially with two young children to care for.

On August 11, residents of Upper Milford Township, Emmaus and other outlying areas helped raise some funds for the MS Purple People Eaters Team. They were dunked, fed, painted and challenged at . Even the team’s mascot showed up for a brief period.

We parents—us and Lynette’s—were in charge of the food area. What a busy place to be! Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, selling bake sale items, making popcorn, lemonade and iced tea. Whew! We were all tired by day’s end.

Many volunteers helped with various games, which tested our coordination or challenged us as to how quickly we could figure something out. While people played games, the Purple People Eater (my son and Lynette’s husband, Jason) wandered among the crowd greeting attendees, collecting hugs and posing for pictures.

Soon after Jason removed his costume, it was time for him to enter the dunk tank. I’m sure it was a blessing after wearing the furry costume on a hot day.  Almost everyone lined up to take a shot, including his children, wife, friends and naturally, his parents. I really enjoyed that, especially when he went down into the water!

And then there was the nose picker game. The huge papier-mâché nose was a big hit. Players had a choice: stick your hand up the correct nostril, it was a handful of candy; stick it up the wrong one and it was a handful of green slime!  We heard lots of ewwwwws and yucks coming from that area. A bit disappointing, though, when the two Emmaus Auxiliary Police patrolling the area didn’t want to try it!

The highlight of the day, of course, was when over 400 yellow rubber ducks went “swimming” down Leibert’s Creek. What a sight! They bobbed up and down in the water, some getting caught on the rocks. People cheered them on, hoping it was their duck leading the flock. But…only one could win the race.

It was a beautiful day to raise $3,000 and help those in need—not too hot and no rain. Actually, the rains came in buckets after most of the clean-up was done. I think we had God’s blessing on the event, since He held off the Noah’s Ark-type storm.

And plans are in the works for next year’s MS Rubber Duck Derby for the Purple People Eaters. Maybe the police officers will pick the nose next year!