WHO: “Quacky” (our mascot) and the Duck Deployment Crew, 70+ Team Leaders, Sponsors, Partners, Everyone who Adopted!
WHAT: The community came together to adopt ALL 30,000 rubber ducks, which will race for prizes today!
WHEN: 5/13/2023 at approximately 12:30
WHERE: Caddy’s Bradenton, 801 Riverside Drive East, Bradenton
WHY: As Pace’s Signature Fundraiser, the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace provides much needed funding for girls to have access to a quality education and the counseling they need to thrive
We are thrilled to announce that at 8:58 pm Friday Night the last duck was adopted. Festivities begin today at approximately 12:30 when all “Very Important Duck” adopters are invited to toss their corporate duck into the water from the pier. The VID’s will race with the winner crowned “King” or “Queen” Duck! Following the VID Race, the Pier will be cleared and Quacky will help countdown the release of the 30,000 rubber ducks to a cheering crowd. The 1st Place Duck can drive home in a Jeep (2 year lease or $5,000) provided by Firkins Automotive, 2nd Place wins Weekly Dinner for Two for a YEAR at Anna Maria Oyster Bar (some restrictions apply) and 3rd Place wins an outfit a month for a Year at the Teal Turtle Boutique. The event will be livestreamed: www.LuckyDuckyRaceforPace.com
Over 70 Teams led by Community Volunteers and local businesses have competed to adopt the most ducks. Board Led Team “Quackerjacks” adopted 2,587 ducks (led by Dottie Turner, Amanda Horne, Darcie Duncan, Alanna Massey, and Katie Carter Benoit) while Community Led “Team Oelker” adopted 2,152 (led by Chelsea Oelker). Partner locations including Anna Maria Oyster Bars, Sonny’s BBQ, Caddy’s Bradenton, Swordfish Grill, Duffy’s Tavern and DOGPerfect locations also sold ducks, spreading the mission of Pace to their customers.
The “People’s Choice Award Best Dressed Duck” Trophy will also be awarded at today’s event. All sponsors were given a larger duck to decorate, and the entries are sure to “Quack” you up! From Yellowstone to Wednesday, the ducks were all creative and fun! Formal judging occurred at last month’s Ducktail Party. Pictures of all ducks available here: https://www.facebook.com/PACEManatee/posts/pfbid02BpLqpXJGFih1YaUPgBu6Eux1CnjJMqGnh3sj1kz8iM914EpoPrDoxSJcYZzh1UYYl
Sponsors covered expenses of the event so that all funds from the community adopting ducks will directly benefit Pace girls. Diamond Duck sponsors include Neal Communities, Mosaic, FPL, Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Planet Stone. Pace expects to raise over $180,000 from this event.
About Pace Center for Girls: Pace Center for Girls envisions a world where all girls and young women have power, in a just and equitable society. Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org