Advocates for Children’s Duck Derby event is well known in Bartow County. This fundraiser kicks off the summer season each year and gives one lucky duck the opportunity to win $10,000 to boot! Established in 2002, the Advocates Board was eager to find an event that was fun and engaging for the community. 19 years later, Quacky the duck is the unofficial mascot of Advocates for Children, and the Duck Derby is synonymous with the organization.
For 17 years, the way Duck Derby worked was relatively simple: people bought ducks and those ducks raced down the Etowah river, rode the waves at Terminus Wakepark, or rushed down Gerdau’s man-made river. Regardless of the location, whoever bought the duck who made it to the finish line first was the winner!
However, last year was almost Quacky’s undoing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Advocates had to switch to a virtual platform very rapidly. Thanks to some quick thinking from the Advocates staff and a lifesaving sponsor, Greater Community Bank, the Duck Derby continues. Not only did Greater Community Bank swoop in and save the day in 2020, but they also created security for the Duck Derby by making a three-year commitment to the event!
In 2021, Advocates for Children is hoping to perfect the virtual racing platform. This year’s video will include guest speakers from participating sponsors and a virtual race filled with digital ducks! Participants can stream the race over Facebook (@AdvoChild) or watch it at the Downtown Duck Dash on May 15th at 7:30 pm.
To win the Grand Prize of $10,000 cash, all you have to do is adopt a duck! Duck Adoptions range in price from $5-$250. You can support a high school student, team, or community partner by adopting a duck on their page or you can also go online at https://www.duckrace.com/Cartersville and get your own!
Advocates for Children is a non-profit organization that is committed to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Founded as a children’s shelter in 1983, Advocates for Children has since expanded and now includes eight different programs across eleven counties.
The mission of the organization is “To strengthen our community of families by offering safety, comfort and hope to children and preventing child abuse in all its forms.” If you would like to learn more about Advocates for Children or how to get involved in these upcoming events, contact Renee Shields, Development Director, at renee@advochild.org
To Donate visit advochild.org