Ducks that roam the Paint Creek at Children’s Park were joined by 1,500 blue, pink and yellow plastic likenesses last Saturday for the annual Orion/Oxford Area Youth Assistance Duck Race.
The profits from the fundraiser, which totaled just under $6,000, are split between the two organizations and come on the heels of their other major summer fundraiser, the Rural Pearl of a Ride in Oxford last month.
Pat Hill was awarded the top prize of $999, when his pink duck was first to cross the finish line.
It was the third year the youth assistance organization ran the race, which was previously run by the Optimist Club. Orion Area Youth Assistance Caseworker Tom Swieboda said Don Walker offered the race to youth assistance, and remains involved with helping it succeed.
‘This was the first year since we’ve hosted the event that we sold out,? Swieboda noted.
The profits will help various programs in both communities, including the Extend Program in Orion, which matches high school students with middle school students.
‘We’re always looking to expand our programs,? Swieboda said. ‘So this helps with that effort.?
Swieboda also thanked many of the volunteers, like Sarah Ocker, who offered their time to make the event a success.