The Fundraiser That Kids Actually Love

Let's be real: most fundraisers aren't exactly exciting for young people. Galas? Black-tie snooze-fests for kids. Silent auctions? Not riveting for a ten-year-old. But a duck race? Kids go absolutely wild. And when your entire mission is serving youth, having a fundraiser that kids genuinely love is kind of a big deal.

A Boys & Girls Club in Arizona raised $52,000 from their duck race. Over 300 Club members helped sell ducks, and race day drew 3,500 spectators.

Why Duck Races Were Made for Boys & Girls Clubs

• Your members ARE your marketing team — kids selling ducks to family and neighbors is incredibly effective

• The visual of thousands of ducks racing is pure joy — perfect for social media content

• Duck races attract families with children — the exact demographic that supports your mission

• The event can showcase your programs — set up activity stations demonstrating what Club kids do

Getting Club Kids Involved

• Create a duck adoption sales challenge between Club locations or age groups

• Let teens run the event's social media — they're better at it than adults anyway

• Have Club members design the race-day poster and promotional materials

• Set up a 'Club Corner' at the event with games, demonstrations, and art displays

• Award scholarships or prizes to top youth duck sellers

Show Them the Impact

Duck race revenue can be transformational for Boys & Girls Clubs. A $40,000 race can fund after-school programs for 200 kids. A $60,000 race might cover summer camp scholarships for an entire year.

• 'Every duck adopted keeps a kid safe after school for a month'

• 'Our goal of 5,000 ducks = a full year of STEM programming'

Practical Planning Tips

• Start duck sales 8 weeks out — use Club events and parent meetings as sales opportunities

• Secure a title sponsor early ($5,000-$15,000) to cover base costs

• Create a rain-or-shine plan so weather doesn't derail your event

• Capture incredible photos and video for next year's marketing

Your Club changes lives every single day. A duck race gives your community a fun, memorable way to invest in that mission. Derby Duck Races would love to help you create the ultimate youth-friendly fundraiser. The ducks are ready — are you?