HoehmTown Happenings

What is the Rockland Duck Derby?

It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to attend a friendly race featuring up to 5,000 rubber ducks in a municipal pool. And it’s not often that one gets the opportunity to do so while supporting four incredible local charities. Yet, once a year, Clarkstown residents are able to do both by attending the annual Rockland Duck Derby! 

All proceeds are split evenly between four local charities, and if all 5000 rubber ducks are adopted, four local charitable organizations will receive at least $10,000 each. These nonprofits are: Good Samaritan Hospital Suffern, NY; Meal on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland; Wonder Girls USA; and the Rockland Community Foundation. The Derby will take place on Saturday, August 9th at 9:30am at Germonds Pool in West Nyack. All kinds of fun Duck Derby merchandise is available for sale at the event, and again, all proceeds go to the nonprofit organizations. 

Admission is free and spectators are more than welcome, but as they say, you have to be in it to win it. Entrants just need to “adopt” a duck by contributing a charitable donation. The “adoption” fee is $10 for one duck, $25 for three ducks, $50 for a “quack pack” of six ducks, and $100 for a “happy duxzen” of 13 ducks. To “adopt” a duck, simply visit www.rocklandduckderby.com and register to select the number of ducks you wish to sponsor. Your name will be assigned to the corresponding number of ducks in a database that produces a unique tag number for each duck entered in the race. These waterproof, numbered tags are placed on the bottoms of the rubber ducks by volunteers prior to race day. After the winning duck crosses the finish line, the tag number is entered into the database and the winning sponsor is identified and announced. You do not need to be present to win, but it’s way more fun to be there!

If the Duck Derby concept isn’t for you, then keep in mind that the timing of this fundraiser comes just before National Nonprofit Day, which occurs on August 17th every year. Please consider taking part in National Nonprofit Day by donating to one of Clarkstown’s many amazing charitable organizations. There is an incredibly diverse world of nonprofits that are headquartered in Clarkstown and provide invaluable services to our community. From food pantries to organizations that help sick children and people with disabilities, there are all kinds of nonprofits out there doing important work in Clarkstown. Many of these organizations are heavily dependent on donations in order to provide their services. Any amount you can give is appreciated and helps make a difference in our community. If you can’t donate money, volunteering your time can be even more valuable. From delivering meals to the elderly and homebound to picking up litter along our roads, there are opportunities all around to contribute to a meaningful cause without reaching into your pockets.

Community is all about supporting one another, and I have always been touched and amazed by the generous and giving nature of Clarkstown residents. We tend to think of charitable giving more around the holiday season, so the timing of National Nonprofit Day in the summer helps to provide a boost to many organizations that are in immediate need of funding or volunteers. And finally, scientific research confirms that by helping others you are also helping yourself. Charitable giving has been proven to boost happiness and reduce stress. 

So whether it’s at the Rockland Duck Derby or elsewhere, please consider helping yourself and others by donating to a local charity this summer.