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In Ya Go

A payloader from Rawson Materials dumps more than 3,500 rubber duckies into the Quinebaug for The Arc Quinebaug Valley fund-raiser. Courtesy photo.

 

Aug. 14 proved to be a wonderful day for The Arc Quinebaug Valley and the community! In conjunction with Putnam’s car cruise, The Arc 19th annual Rubber Duckie Race put more than 3,500 rubber ducks in the water.

The sale of ducks, along with event sponsors of all magnitudes and community donations, helped The Arc Quinebaug Valley grossed more than $20,000.

“We are extremely thankful for the abundance of community support we receive each year with regards to this event. Local businesses and community members have continuously been kind and generous to The Arc, and for that, we are forever grateful. Our support system is also comprised of Arc Board members, Arc staff, volunteers and everyone that simply helps us to reach our goals on a daily basis. Thank you all.” said Susan M. Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.

Major sponsors for this event include: Mutual of America, Northeast Flooring & Kitchens, Roland H. Lupien, DDS & Spirol International Corporation. Other sponsors were 85 Main, Business Systems & Incentives, Inc., Chace Building Supply, CT Women of Hope, D.H. Copeland Builders, Inc., Deary’s Gymnastics, Demers Accounting Services, Eighty Ates Restaurant Group, Jewett City Savings Bank, Kimbal Sheffield, DDS, Northeastern CT Health Care Credit Union, Palmieri’s Pizza, Parker Memorials & Stone Co., Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Kia, Putnam Ford, Putnam Plastics Corporation, Putnam Taxi, LLC, Taylor Brooke Winery, Titan Energy, Travelers Shell & Woodstock Radiator & Repair.

Rubber ducks were transported by a Rawson Materials payloader, while spectators of the community settled in near the edges of the Quinebaug River to watch the release over the bridge.

 “This was a delightful day for our agency and our strong-knit community. Smiles beamed bright on the faces of many spectators as the ducks raced to the finish line, many even cheering, all of which truly proves the happiness and success that this event continues to carry on!” said Crystal Simonson, Community Outreach coordinator of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.

As the ducks floated down the race course, Deputy Mayor Alma Morey sat in a boat eagerly ready to pluck the first

50 ducks to cross the finish line. Once the winning ducks were brought to the shore, they were recorded by multiple Arc volunteers and posted in Rotary Park. Businesses far and near donated the various 50+ prizes for this event. The first duck to cross the finish line guaranteed their ticket holder a $500 VISA gift card prize.  Winner of this prize was Neil Cochran of Lebanon.

“We, as an agency, are very lucky to be situated in an area where local businesses are extremely supportive of one another. The amount of community members that have donated, sponsored, volunteered, or spread the word about the event, has been very overwhelming. You all make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.” said Desrosiers.

All proceeds from this fund-raiser event help to enhance services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at The Arc Quinebaug Valley. The agency focuses on advocacy, vocational, residential, recreation, education, day and retirement services to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their goals and be integral members of their community.