What happened to the Redding Ducky Derby? It has been reimagined as the Sundial Riffle Raffle taking place this year during the River Bowl, Friday, October 18. Since the inception of Redding East Rotary’s Ducky Derby—the Sundial Riffle Raffle’s preceding event—over $4.5 million has been raised and returned to local communities for youth development programs and drug-free and alcohol-free activities. These programs have benefited countless young people in the North State and the Redding East Rotary isn’t duckin’ out now.
“The Sundial Riffle Raffle is a unique partnership between the youth and adults of our community,” explains Marge Beck, the Redding East Rotary’s fundraiser chairperson of 15 years. “The project mission remains the same: substance abuse prevention and youth development. It’s our goal to continue to return 100% of raffle ticket sales to the qualified selling groups.”
Behind the scenes, the Redding Ducky Derby had become very costly with the Redding East Rotary renting the ducks, having them shipped, and investing hundreds of working hours in getting them stickered, hauled to the event drop site, retrieved, and returned. The actual Duck Drop was a highlight of a craft fair at a Redding park, which drew crowds of over 10,000 during the two-day event.
“The spectacle of the event and the community involvement in the process was wonderful. However,” Marge explains, “times change, the craft fair ended, and it was simply a lot of costs and work for a 30-minute derby. Our contract with the duck rental company requires that we forgo an event on the Sacramento River for three years. After that, we could launch a Sundial Riffle Raffle outdoor river event with our new mascot, Sammy Salmon. Wouldn’t it be fun to have 40,000 salmon racing down the river?”
The community is encouraged to continue supporting the fundraiser during this time of transition. As Marge says, “It’s all about the kids. Our community is extremely generous and supportive of our youth. This event empowers them to raise funds for their own programs. Redding East Rotary provides the infrastructure, the community businesses help with the cost by providing sponsorships and prizes, and the kids get all the returns. We are teaching our children with ‘a hand up, not a handout.’”
The culminating event of the Sundial Riffle Raffle will take place at the River Bowl football game at Enterprise High School. Come watch the event on the screen or join in via Facebook Live! Rumor has it that there will be a Blackhawk helicopter landing on the field. Maybe Sammy Salmon can hitch a ride!
Be sure to “like” the Facebook page and share posts to help engage friends, students, and colleagues in this big splash for youth! Visit the website to learn more about buying tickets and the outstanding prizes you can win.
Posted in: Community
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