FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Advocates for Children’s Annual Duck Derby & Duck Dash 5k will take place simultaneously on Saturday, May 15th, 2021.
Cartersville, GA, April 26, 2020:
A lot has changed over the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and nonprofit fundraising is no exception. Advocates for Children’s annual fundraisers, the Duck Derby & Duck Dash, are longstanding traditions in Bartow County; over the years, the Derby & Dash have evolved. The rubber duckies have raced down the Etowah River, cascaded down a manmade chute, and meandered through LakePoint Park. Last year, however, the Duck Derby quickly transitioned to a virtual platform. As a result, the community was able to support Advocates for Children from the safety of their own homes during a tumultuous time, resulting in one of our best years for sales.
This year we are doing things a little differently opting for a hybrid event. The Duck Derby is a fundraiser in which participants “adopt” a rubber duck. Under normal circumstances, the rubber ducks physically race to the finish line. The grand prize winner receives $10,000, generously provided by the presenting sponsor, Greater Community Bank. Similar to last year, the winner will be selected by a random generator operated by GAME Fundraising. “When we first began planning the Duck Derby in January, we hoped that the severity of the pandemic would lessen by May,” says Advocates Director of Development, “However, we all know how quickly things can change, so we didn’t want to risk having to postpone or cancel the event like last year. For those reasons, we decided to do a virtual platform again.”
Despite the virtual element of the Duck Derby, Advocates for Children’s Duck Dash 5k and Fun Run, sponsored by Glenda Mitchell Law Firm, will take place this year! With a new time and a new route, the Duck Dash is here for everyone who is ready to get outside and move. The human race will take place the same day as the duck race—May 15th in downtown Cartersville. When asked about planning the race, Rachel Castillo, President & CEO, said this, “We felt confident moving forward with the Duck Dash because of our partners at Wire 2 Wire running. With their experience planning races during the pandemic, they were able to develop policies and procedures necessary to keeping everyone safe. With the additional benefit of the race being outside and allowing everyone to socially distance, we felt comfortable planning this event.” People who bought ducks can view the virtual race & results on Facebook Live at 7:30 pm, or in person at Friendship Plaza (where the Duck Dash will end).
“While we are hoping to get the Duck Derby back into the river next year,” says Advocates Development Director, “we are very proud of how we handled the past year and a half. Our ability to continue operating through a pandemic and serving children and families in need shows how strong of an organization Advocates for Children is. Of course, we get our strength from our community, so it is a testament to the power of Bartow County as well.”
For more details or to register for the Duck Dash 5k & Fun Run visit: advochild.org/duck-dash
For more details or to adopt a duck for the Duck Derby visit: advochild.org/duck-derby
For any additional questions, contact Carla Lavender at carla@advochild.org.
About Advocates for Children
Advocates for Children provides services to children and families who have been the victims of abuse and neglect. We also offer multiple layers of personal care through an array of programs to reduce the incidence of child abuse. Advocates serves 11 Northwest Georgia counties offering safety, comfort, and hope to over 13,000 children, youth and adults every year. Advocates for Children seeks to strengthen communities through education, advocacy, and prevention, empowering families to be free from child abuse. To learn more, visit www.advochild.org.