The 20th annual Duck Race to benefit non-profit Family Centered Services (FCS) took place on Saturday, August 9.
A total of 4,708 ducks floated down a flooded Washington Street as a crowd of approximately 600 spectators watched in anticipation as their ducks competed for 31 prize packages ranging from local gift certificates to a variety of gift baskets. This year’s grand prize winner of $1,000 was Brittany Karns.
Additional prize winners were Aerika Gerber, Ashley Skeens, Steve Gerber, Tara Steffen, Melanie Mills, Goodwin, Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, Steve & Yvette Huggins, Josh Fiechter, Anela Crowl, Jacob Ehle, Margie Horner, Nicole Burns, Marta Rumschlag, Halderman Farms, Marge Ellis, Donna Nash, Jackie Fiechter, Michelle Gerber, Pamela Killingbeck, Sarah Uchrinscko, Erin Prible, Mary Thompson, Ashley Welker, Jim Fiechter, Gaye McMillan, Celeste Bosworth, Lorie Fiock, Julie Tonner, and Jan Ringger.
Along with the duck race, the event also included foam machines, face painting, bounce houses, kids’ games, free door prizes, two food trucks, and ten raffles. Five community partners (Wells County Department of Child Services, Maple Heights Behavioral Health, Helping Hands, Park Center, and Firefly) shared resources and Life Community Church, Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church, and Bluffton First UMC were present with giveaways for school-aged children.
The fundraising goal for the race was $60,000 with the funds going toward continuing the work of FCS in the community. FCS, which began in 1990, exists “to strengthen our community by empowering families and youth through services that educate and inspire.” For more information on FCS or the programs they offer, visit fcs-inc.net or call 824-8574. They are located at 1515 N. Sutton Circle, Bluffton.
