Kiwanis duck splash raises $26,050

Adopted rubber ducks wait to be selected as winners in the Round Lake at Mill Race Park Saturday at the 17th Annual Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash. Submitted photo

Staff Reports

The 17th Annual Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash on Saturday saw 7,055 rubber ducks adopted with $26,050 raised for the children’s and youth-oriented programs.

The Lucky Duck number belonged to Tanya Hawkins of Columbus. However, since it was not one of the first 10 ducks drawn, so she did not win the possible new car or $50,000 cash. Instead, she received a $100 consolation prize for having the Lucky Duck number.

Each adopted duck earned a person one chance to win one of more than 20 prizes totaling more than $12,000 in value.

But event founder Jeff Blasdell mentioned before the event that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted duck sales, and probably would result in a lower fundraising total than normal. In recent years, the splash has raised about $60,000 annually for the cause.

Substantially fewer school groups were involved in selling the ducks than in years past, Blasdell said.

About 12 groups serving youth are involved in the event instead of the normal 20, according to organizers. Participating groups keep 80% of the funds for their work and projects. Kiwanis uses its 20% of generated revenue for youth literacy efforts such as Book Buddies, Book Express, March of Dimes, Coolest Pet (to fight infant mortality), and more.