Duck Derby to Raise Funds for Family Center
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The Family Center of Northern Berkshire County, a program of Child Care of the Berkshires, is harnessing the power of rubber ducks on Saturday, June 18, to raise funds to pay for playgroups, family support, parent education and early literacy programming for local families.
Behind the walking track next to Noel Field in North Adams, hundreds of ducks will travel down the Hoosic River. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 11-11:30 any remaining ducks will be available for adoption and the duck race will begin at noon.
The goal of the event is to bring families and the community together, say organizers, but also to help the Family Center to raise funds. Amy Hall, the program director of the Family Center, said she has been wanting to have a duck derby in North Adams for a long time.
“I went to a duck derby in Arlington, Vermont, many years ago with my own children and was intrigued by the idea," Hall said. "Rubber ducks make people smile and the idea of raising money in this fun way is exciting.”
Hall, and other Family Center staff members, talked with City of North Adams officials, who were “very supportive,” Hall said.
How does a rubber duck derby work? Essentially it’s like betting on a horse or race. All the ducks are numbered, and participants pay to "adopt" a numbered duck, hoping that their duck, or number, comes in first, second or third place.
Those looking to participate in the derby can sponsor the ducks for $5 each. The first-place winner of the derby will win $300, the second-place winner, $200, and third-place winner, $100. Ducks can be purchased at the Family Center, at Child Care of the Berkshires, 210 State Street in North Adams, on the lower level. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In addition to the derby, there will be assorted children’s activities and games. The Hoosic River Revival group will have a display of what the river could look like and a children’s activity. Lemonade and baked goods will be available for purchase on site. Families are encouraged to bring picnic lunches.
To learn more about the derby, visit ccberkshire.org or call 414-664-4821.
Tags: benefit, child care of the berkshires,
