PUTNAM — The 2024 Putnam Business Association Pluck A Duck Raffle Event was the most successful yet, according to PBA Pluck A Duck Chairperson, Beth Markowski-Roop.
A total of 7,203 raffle tickets/ducks were purchased. Thirty-one non-profit organizations involved throughout Windham County sold Pluck A Duck raffle tickets and keep a portion of every ticket sold for their organization, raising $12, 937.40.
She said, “These funds are already creating a positive impact for our community!”
The event also raised $31,198.75 for the PBA in support of its advocacy for members and local businesses, and the many free events they coordinate in the community including the upcoming Zombie Fashion Show and Great Pumpkin Festival.
The Wall-Of-Wishes had more than 450 wishes posted by attendees, listing a special wish that would make them feel “just ducky!” For every wish posted, sponsor, Westminster Tool, donated $1 to Make-A-Wish Connecticut!
Donations taken at the Aug 11 Pluck A Duck event, helped create a $500 donation made to this non-profit organization in support of creating live changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
She added, “We had a record-number of prizes, 118, including our grand prize of an 8000-watt Generac Generator with electric start, donated by P.B. Generators and our top cash prize of a $500 VISA gift card sponsored by Byrnes Agency. Prizes included gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, gift baskets, tickets to concerts, activities and venues, and so much more! And the final 12 ducks waddling out of our “pond” had $50 gift card prizes awarded as well, thanks to our sponsors, Davis Place, Hope Lodge Venue, Putnam Spirits and United Services!”
In the Corporate Duck Raffle category, only 75 corporate ducks are available for purchase by businesses big-and-small for a chance to win the coveted prize of a $750 VISA Gift Card and Corporate Duck Trophy, which is engraved with the winning business. The winner gets the traveling trophy. The winner was: Insurance Associates of Central CT.
The Celebrity Dunk Tank included local celebrities Jesse Davis and Dylan Roberts from Rude Dog Boxing, Adam Rondeau of Chubby Dog Coffee and Jennifer Lowell of PAWS Cat Shelter and  others  raised $1,795 for the PBA. The three celebrities that raised the most funds had a $100 donation made to their charity/non-profit organization of choice: Earl Rosebrooks of Fluid Coating Technology (donation made Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center); attorney Kate Cerrone of The Northeast Law Center (donation made Day Kimball Healthcare) and Robert Challinor of VFW Auxiliary Post 1523 (donation to VFW Auxiliary post 1523 Putnam).
Markowski-Roop is appreciative of the support in making this event a success. “This event would not be possible without the continued support of so many, from our generous sponsors, to businesses donating incredible raffle prizes, our Dunk Tank celebrities, Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center, devoted Pluck A Duck Committee and volunteers, and the community who purchased our raffle tickets and enjoyed the many Kids Corner activities. The funds raised are making a difference to so many non-profit organizations throughout our community, and the Putnam Business Association, and I am truly grateful. Thank you!” Pluck A Duck returns Aug.10 and 11, 2025.

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