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Duck Race
A payloader lent by Rawson Materials dumped the duckies into the Quinebaug. Courtesy photo.
PUTNAM — The Arc Quinebaug Valley held its 21st Annual Rubber Duckie Race Aug. 19 and grossed more than $20,000.
More than 3,600 rubber ducks sold for this Duck Race and there were also event sponsors of multiple magnitudes and community donations.
“The Arc Duck Race has been a successful fund-raiser for our agency for over 20 years due to the overwhelming support of the community. Every year that passes continues to be an ongoing struggle for nonprofits with regards to funding, therefore, fund-raisers such as this, are extremely important. We are blessed to have the support of this wonderful community and appreciate everyone believing in our mission.” said Susan M. Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.
Major event sponsors for this event include Putnam Bank and Renewal by Anderson. Prize sponsors were Mutual of America, Roland H. Lupien, DDS and Spirol International. Other sponsors included 85 Main, Arnio Welding, LLC, Business Systems & Incentives, Inc., Foster Corporation, Jewett City Savings Bank, NE CT Healthcare Credit Union, Inc., Putnam Ford, Inc., Putnam Plastics Corporation, The Shopper-Turnpike Corporation and Titan Energy NE.
Rubber ducks were transported by a Rawson Materials payloader and released over the bridge after a countdown cheered on by the crowd of spectators.
“Words cannot express how thankful we are at The Arc for the generosity and kindness of this community. From the sponsors, donors and businesses that provided raffle items to all of our volunteers, we truly stand united as one in a common goal to provide the best quality of life for people with disabilities. We are thankful to everyone for the opportunity to have another successful event which will help so many in need.” said Crystal Simonson, The Arc’s Community Outreach coordinator.
As the ducks drifted down the Quinebaug River, Mayor Barney Seney awaited their arrival to begin his task of plucking the first 50 ducks to cross the finish line. A multitude of businesses donated towards the 50 prize packages 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 Wayne Magao of Danielson. The rest of the top 10 winners were: Judy Rovero, Paula Zadora, Ronald Jacques, Janice Smith, Susan Gray, Matt Desaulnier, William Wolfgang, Pamela Nachtigall and Keith Mattei.
“We hope everyone had fun at The Arc’s Duck Race and Putnam’s Car Cruise. A lot of planning goes into these merged events from many different people in the community, so it is a great feeling for all when everything goes smoothly. We are very happy to be part of such an amazing day in Putnam!” 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.
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