We have three fun rubber duck races this weekend for three different, yet amazing nonprofits in Fremont, Columbia and Santa Cruz. Adopt your ducks today!
23rd Annual Ducks for Bucks Benefit Race
The Kiwanis Club of Fremont partners with multiple nonprofits within the community to adopt 7,000 ducks for their causes. Nonprofit selling organizations include schools, various youth organizations and clubs, churches, and adult & family service groups. Nearly $17,500 was paid out in 2016 to local charities and nonprofits!
Where: Fremont, CA at Elizabeth Lake
When: Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. PDT
Highlights: This race truly brings the community together by allowing any nonprofit to participate and earn money for their organizations! Family activities will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the ducks will race at 1:00 p.m.
Some lucky duck adopter will win the great grand prize of a car of their choice, from any dealer in the Fremont Auto Mall up to a $30,000 purchase. Other prizes include a grand prize of $2,000 cash, Disneyland passes, a wellness package and a weekend stay and fine dining package.
Racer Website: www.ducks4bucks.org
27th Annual Ducky Derby
Who: Omega Nu
Omega Nu has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1903 through charitable events, scholarships, and community service. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Duck Derby goes directly back to the community.
Where: Friendship Gardens at Harvey West Park
When: Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. PDT
Highlights: The Santa Cruz community will join together in Friendship Gardens at Harvey West Park to enjoy an afternoon of food, carnival games, live music, and local entertainment! This unique race features a custom-built course the Derby Ducks and will run several heats throughout the afternoon. Don’t worry, all 12,000 Derby Ducks will have their chance to race! This ducky race features hundreds of prizes with gift certificates to local businesses in Santa Cruz! Adopt a Duck and Help a Community today!
Racer Website: www.duckyderbysantacruz.org
CoMo Duck Derby 2017
Who: Central Missouri Humane Society
The Central Missouri Humane Society is the leading animal welfare agency in mid-Missouri. Their primary goal is to find caring, lasting homes for every adoptable animal. In addition to finding homes for stray and unwanted animals, they also provide low-cost veterinary services for pet owners in the community.
Where: Columbia, MO at Stephens Lake Park
When: Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT. The ducks race at 2:00 p.m.
Highlights: Columbia residents can enjoy an afternoon of live music, food, family friendly activities, and of course sunglass wearing ducks! CMHS will also have adoptable animals on site so you can meet your new best friend! Don’t miss out on this inaugural event!
Prizes include $500 cash, a hotel stay and a weekend pet stay. One lucky duck will have a chance to win $10,000!
Racer Website: http://www.comoduckderby.com
- April 19, 2017
There is a lot more to the duck race than yellow rubber ducks with sunglasses racing down a waterway to raise funds for fantastic nonprofit organizations. Here is a list of FAQ’s about GAME’s rubber duck race fundraiser that we get asked from time to time from potential nonprofit partners.
FAQ’s about GAME’s Rubber Duck Race Fundraiser
What is a rubber duck race fundraiser?
A duck race is a fundraising event that allows your nonprofit and community to come together by allowing people in your community to “adopt” a duck for $5. Those ducks are then dropped into a waterway and swim to the finish line to win prizes for their adoptive owners.
How long has the Duck Race been in existence?
The first Duck Race took place in 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona. Proceeds benefited the Scottsdale Arizona Prevention Institute who raised over $150,000. In fact, this year marks the 29th year that GAME has been partnering with nonprofits to help them raise funds with our duck race!
How many nonprofits does GAME partner with?
GAME partners with nonprofits in over 70 cities in the United States and 5 locations internationally including Mexico and Germany.
How do the ducks travel from city to city?
Our rubber ducks travel in totes from city to city and leave our warehouse in February. The ducks don’t return to the Flock until the end of October.
What is the most important component of a duck race?
The most important component of a rubber duck race is securing sponsorships. You want to say that 100% of every duck adoption is going directly back to your organization. Our fundraising experts help all of our nonprofit partners with sponsorship design so they can secure big bucks for their racing ducks!
After a person adopts a duck, do they get to keep the duck?
No. After a person adopts a duck, our nonprofits work with each duck to make sure it is ready for race day. After the race, all of the ducks are put back in totes and continue their travels to their next race somewhere in the United States.
What type of volunteer support does a nonprofit need when planning a duck race?
There are numerous volunteer opportunities when planning a duck race. For example, opportunities include: duck adoptions, tagging party, logistics support, duck mascot appearances, data entry, social media postings, and more! Even children can volunteer and get involved in the “quacktacular” fun!
Which nonprofit has earned the most money from a duck race?
In August 2014, the Freestore Food Bank in Cincinnati became GAME’s first nonprofit partner to raise over $1 million when they raced 150,000 ducks.
Can we still have a duck race if we don’t have a water source?
Yes! If you don’t have a water source, you can do a duck pluck. Other options include creating a man-made slip and slide. In addition, you can set up an obstacle course where local athletes pluck a duck and complete the course with their duck in tow.
How long does it take to plan a Duck Race?
We recommend a 7-9 month lead time so a nonprofit has enough time to secure sponsorship dollars and prizes.
How do the ducks get out of the water on race day?
The majority of our racers use nets to scoop up the ducks out of the water
A rubber duck race is a fun and unique fundraising event that brings smiles to your community, your sponsors and allows your nonprofit to spread awareness about your cause. Let our team of fundraising professionals help you put the “fun” back into fundraising! Contact us at racewithus@game-group.com or call us at (800) 779-RACE.
- April 17, 2017
Going Quackers for Kids Duck Race
The ducks are headed to La Mirada, California this weekend for the 10th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Duck Race on April 15, 2017. The event begins with an Easter Egg Hunt and Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Lake at La Mirada Regional Park. The Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end around 10:30 a.m. PDT. Then, at 11:00 a.m., the ducks will launch and start racing at SPLASH! La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center. The ducks are swimming to win the grand prize of $3,500 in addition to many other prizes. This quacky event wouldn’t be possible without the help of Kiwanis of La Mirada. The Kiwanis Club of La Mirada is a service club dedicated to supporting their community and surrounding areas.
The La Mirada chapter was founded in November 1979 and all of the dedicated members of the club continue to identify the service needs and raise funds for many organizations and families in need. Proceeds from the duck race will be divided among youth-based nonprofit organizations and schools within the La Mirada community. Some of the nonprofits that will be raising money through forming a team include: Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troops, Key Clubs, Meals on Wheels, National Hydrocephalus Foundation, and Youth Ministry groups.
Go QUACKERS for Kids and Adopt a Duck today before they sell out!
Racer Website: https://www.duckrace.com/lamirada
- April 12, 2017
There are many ways for your nonprofit to create more awareness about your organization. But what is one of the best ways to create some buzz? Create a Social Media Committee. What is a Social Media Committee?
A social media committee is a team of supporters who are passionate about your mission and who spend a lot of time on social media sites. Think of your social committee members as “brand ambassadors” for your nonprofit. The first step in starting a committee is to identify your members. Make a list of your volunteers, Board members, donors, community members and staff members that are active on social media sites. When approaching potential members, be clear about your goals and emphasize how important their involvement will be to your success. After assembling your team, plan a meeting to talk about how the social committee will work. Make the meeting fun! You can plan it at a fun location or meet at a local restaurant.
Social Media Committee Tips
- Training – Your committee will need some training so make sure that they have the tools they need to be successful. At your kick off meeting, hand out a kit that includes talking points. Include information about the history of your nonprofit, your programs, links to social media sites, key facts about your organization, your newsletter and calendar of events. Provide some fun swag too!
- Communicate Weekly – Make it easy for your committee to communicate effectively about your organization. Stay in touch with emails. You should also have face to face meetings or conference calls every so often to communicate your goals and deadlines. An example of a goal would be that your committee retweet and/or like one of your nonprofit’s posts per week. People like to talk, so give them something to talk about! Send a weekly status about upcoming events, success stories, fundraising campaigns, blog posts, or videos that they can share on their own social media networks.
- Keep Organized – A great way to stay organized is to create a calendar in Trello. Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards that all of the social committee members can access. In Trello, you can upload images, graphics, documents, and sample posts that your committee can download and use.
- Bonus Tip – Your social media committee can share your duck race posts during race season to help build excitement about your race. After all, if they are already passionate about your cause, talking and posting about how ducks can benefit your nonprofit will be easy!
Keep in mind that your social media committee is made up of volunteers who are helping you spread the word about all of the good your nonprofit is doing in the world. Make sure that the committee is thanked for their support and consider having an event at the end of the year where they are recognized. Do you use a social media committee to help create more awareness about your nonprofit? Let us know!
- April 10, 2017
27th Annual Great Acadiana Running of the Ducks
The 27th Annual Great Acadiana Running of the Ducks returns to Red Lerille’s Health & Raquet Club on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 for a ducky evening at the pool! From 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST duck race fans can enjoy music, family-friendly activities, and visit with Quacky the Duck. Fans can watch 30,000 rubber ducks slide down the waterslide into the pool where they will race to win one of 15 prizes! This year’s prizes include weekly combo meals for a year to Sonic and Burgersmith, jewelry from Armentor Jewelers and a $500 Visa Gift Card from Classic Auto Spa. In addition, other prizes include year membership at Red Lerille’s and a $500 gift certficate at La-Z-Boy Furniture! The quickest duck will win the grand prize of a 2017 Subaru Legacy from Giles Automotive.
The best part of this evening is that all of the funds raised directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana! The Boys & Girls Clubs provides:
- A safe place for children to learn and grow…
- Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals…
- Life-enhancing programs and character development experiences…
- Hope and opportunity!
Adopt a Duck and Help a Child’s Future! Don’t miss out on this quacktacular event!
Racer Website: http://www.bgcacadiana.com/runnings-of-the-ducks/
- April 5, 2017
19th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race
The 19th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race is coming up this weekend on Sunday April 2, 2017. Adopt a duck for just 5 bucks and change lives!
Who: Crosswinds Youth Services
Crosswinds Youth Services has been serving young people and their families in Brevard County for over 40 years. Their mission is to create opportunities for young people to succeed. It began in the 1970’s with group of concerned community leaders who met to discuss how Brevard County, Florida could respond to the increasing number of runaway and homeless youth in the community.
Furthermore, Crosswinds Youth Services has been recognized nationally, regionally, statewide and locally. In 2013, it was chosen as Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, in 2014, it received a Central Florida Humanitarian Award.
Where: Titusville, FL at Sand Point Park
When: Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 1 p.m. EDT
Highlights: Adopt a Duck before they sell out! 10,000 rubber ducks are taking a dip in the Indian River as fans within the community can enjoy an afternoon of fun in the sun filled with family friendly activities, music, and food!
Prizes: In recognition of the 19th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race, a lucky duck adopter could be the winner of $10,000! Ten quacky prizes are going to be awarded to the top ducks including evening shark fishing, passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, flowers for a year, and more! In addition, other prizes include: a one-year family membership at any YMCA in Brevard and a two night stay at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront. The fastest duck (owner) will set sail on a four-night cruise for 2 to the Bahamas about the Disney Dream!
Racer Website: www.greatbrevardduckrace.com
- March 29, 2017
We have races scheduled in Ft. Lauderdale and Texas City this weekend. Adopt a duck today and support some great nonprofits!
11th Annual KID Duck Fest Derby
Who: Kids in Distress
Kids In Distress of Broward and Palm Beach counties (KID) works for the prevention of child abuse, preservation of the family, and the treatment of abused and neglected children.
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Esplanade Park
When: Saturday, March 25, 2017 starting at noon EDT.
Highlights: The KID Duckfest Derby is celebrating 11 years of racing rubber ducks and raising funds for their nonprofit organization. This year will feature multiple family friendly activities for the afternoon including a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, funny photo opportunities, Meet and Greet with Splash, food trucks, and more! The KID Olympics returns for another year and each child who participates in every Olympic event will receive a chance to win a great raffle prize.
Prizes: At 2:00 p.m. 30,000 ducks will get their feathers wet as they race to win one of 10 prizes including a cruise for 2, a gift certificate from Carroll’s Jewelers, golf for 4, gift baskets, and more! The quickest rubber duck will win the $10,000 grand prize!
Racer Website: www.duckfestderby.org
10th Annual Texas City ISD Youthfest & Duck Derby
Who: Texas City ISD
The Texas City ISD (TCISD) Foundation for the Future, in collaboration with the community and the school district, support a quality education for the District’s students by generating and distributing resources to enrich, maintain, and expand programs to meet the District’s stated mission of excellence in education.
The Foundation encourages all students to work to their highest potential, supports staff teaching and learning programs. In addition, the Foundation inspires the community to participate with the school district to enrich education.
Where: Texas City, TX at Texas City Sting Creek
When: Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT
Highlights: Get ready for an afternoon of fun at the Youthfest! There will be fun, food, music and entertainment and at 3:00 p.m. the ducks are launched.
Prizes: 5,000 Derby Ducks will paddle their hardest to win some great prizes including a $2,500 Visa gift card, a $1,000 Amazon gift card, a $250 HEB gift card, a 50″ TV, and more! All 10 prize winners will have the chance to win the “Lucky Duck” prize of a new $50,000 Ford car or truck sponsored by TNMP.
Racer Website: http://www.duckrace.com/texascity
- March 22, 2017
Our blog, 2017 Racer Conference Highlights – Engaging Millennials, is the final blog in a blog series highlighting tips from our Racer Conference in Scottsdale which we hosted in January of 2017. One of our speakers was Tiffany Hallier, Founder of Oh So Social who spoke on ways nonprofits can engage millennials who are individuals born between 1980 and 2000.
2017 Racer Conference Highlights – Engaging Millennials
- Millennials Enjoy Volunteering and Give Modestly to Multiple Social Causes. Their peers are a critical influence on millennial giving. Women give more money than men, and older individuals more than younger individuals. Making a difference in the world is more important than professional recognition.
- Main Social Media Channels. Their main social media channels are Facebook, You Tube, Instagram and Snapchat. Millennials do use Twitter but not as frequently. Millennials learn about and donate to causes digitally. The less steps they have to go through on their phone to donate, the better.
- Think of Instagram like a magazine. When you are posting content, use highly visual images that tell a compelling story and evoke emotion. Another idea for content is to include a call to action. Ask your followers to participate in your fundraising campaigns by going to the link in your bio and donate or buy a t-shirt, for example.
- Research Google Trends. Think by Google is a great resource includes data that Google is exploring and the trends they are tracking along with behind the scenes looks at digital campaigns – across industries, platforms and audiences.
- Read Millennial Impact Reports. The website Millenialimpact.com offers readers insights into how the Millennial generation connects with, gets involved with and supports causes.
- Millennials Love Video. They value authenticity over the content itself and there are few things more authentic than live streaming.
- Create Advisory Boards. Ask millennials to serve on advisory boards where they can jump right in and get hands-on with causes they care about. Opportunities to use and develop their areas of expertise are prime motivators in millennials’ philanthropic engagement.
What Engages Millennials?
- Social Currency (sharing what makes us look good). An example could be sharing an image showing that “I care about pets or I support this children’s art therapy program.” Tag millennials and thank them when posting images on social media. Also, they love swag!
- Emotional Stories. Tell stories that create a meaningful connection. An example could be the story of a child who has overcome challenges and obstacles in the face of adversity. The Austin Boys and Girls Club posted a video of their 2015 Youth of the Year who had to go to McDonald’s to do her homework since there was no electricity or internet at her home. Another example of emotional storytelling is relating the power of a duck. For example, a single duck provides 1 meal to a Special Olympic Athlete during the State Games.
- Influencers. Millennials listen to influencers. Influencers are individuals who have the ability to influence the opinions and buying decisions of a target audience largely due to their social media following.
- Valuable Content. Post content that is easy to share such as quotes and infographics. Show real faces of the people in your organization.
- Mobile Friendly. Since the majority of millennials are accessing the web through their mobile phone, make sure that all of your content is mobile optimized.
- Hashtags – Make sure that you use hashtags so your content can be found. Hashtags are crucial on Instagram and Twitter. On Instagram, put your hashtags in a comment which will help your post look more authentic and less cluttered.
How does you nonprofit engage with millennials? We would enjoy hearing your comments!
- March 13, 2017
The rubber duck race returns to Arizona this weekend with the Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race. The Shasta Pools Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2017. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Scottsdale Waterfront. The day will be filled with food, music and lots of yellow rubber ducks! A total of 12,000 ducks will launch at noon and float down the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal while spectators cheer on their ducks. Proceeds from the duck race benefit Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers. This organization grants wishes to K-12 teachers at public and charter schools in Arizona.
The VID Duck Adoption Package gives the duck adopter some special perks. You will receive a prime view of the duck race from a private patio overlooking the canal, catered food and drink tickets and interactive games.
The first 3 ducks through the finish line will win some amazing prizes! Prizes include: 50/50 of net duck proceeds, a weekend getaway and a Fiesta Bowl Fan Experience. The Fiesta Bowl Fan Experience includes: 4 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Tickets, 4 Pregame On-Field Passes, 4 Stadium Club Pregame Party Tickets and 1 Parking Pass. Adopt a Duck, Grant a Wish!
Racer Website: www.duckrace.com/fiestabowl.com
- March 8, 2017
Have you found that keeping your social media and online channels current has become a daunting task? According to the Content Marketing Institute “54% of nonprofit professionals do not have a content strategy.” In addition, time and budget are top marketing challenges. Below are 5 content development strategies for nonprofits that will help you create content that is personal and engaging.
Content Development Strategies for Nonprofits
- Create a content calendar. First of all, plan your content week by week rather than scrambling to put something together for each of your marketing channels. Note special events, campaigns and holidays that you can develop content around. Trello is a free visual tool that allows you to organize projects into boards. You can also communicate with different team members on your projects.
- Use themes. What is your organization about? Pick one or two topics a month that you focus on and find content that relates to those topics. For example, an emergency services shelter could focus on mental health challenges facing children and families including depression, anxiety, and sensory disorders.
- Google alerts. Set up Google alerts to monitor and share what people are saying about your organization. In addition, Google alerts allow you to stay up-to-date on issues relating to your organization’s work.
- Involve your supporters. Ask donors and volunteers to share personal stories that you can share on your website and other marketing channels.
- Involve your staff. Content development does not need to just the responsibility of your communications department. Because your organization has individuals who are experts in your industry, they are a great resource for content ideas. You’d be surprised to find that many staff members love the opportunity to have a voice and share their insight!
With a little organization and by leveraging the individuals who are most invested in your cause, you set yourself on the right track to use a content development strategy to enhance your online marketing and as a result drive greater engagement! Share with us what type of content development strategy you have developed.
- March 7, 2017
- Recent Posts
Recent Posts
