The Elks Have Found Their Fundraiser

Elks Lodges have a long, proud history of community service — from veterans' programs to youth scholarships to disaster relief. But if you've been relying on the same bingo nights and meat raffles year after year, it might be time for an upgrade. Duck races are giving Elks Lodges a fresh, exciting way to raise serious money while bringing the whole community together.

One Elks Lodge in Ohio raised $34,000 with their inaugural duck race. That's more than their previous three fundraisers combined. And the best part? Their members said it was the most fun they'd had at a lodge event in years.

Why Duck Races Work for Elks Lodges

• Elks Lodges often have prime real estate — use your property or nearby waterways as the race venue

• Your membership skews experienced and well-connected, perfect for securing sponsors and spreading the word

• The Elks' commitment to youth programs gives you a compelling story: 'Every duck helps a kid'

• Lodge facilities can double as event headquarters for planning, storage, and post-race celebrations

Show Me the Money

Duck races generate revenue from multiple streams simultaneously. Duck adoptions are the backbone — typically $5 for a single duck up to $25 for a 'Quack Pack' of six. But that's just the start. Corporate sponsorships can add $15,000-$40,000 depending on your market. Food and beverage sales (hello, Elks BBQ!) bring in more. Merchandise, raffle add-ons, and VIP experiences round it out.

A lodge in Florida sold 5,200 ducks at $10 each, secured $22,000 in sponsorships, and netted $18,000 from their famous pulled pork sandwiches at the event. Grand total: $92,000 raised for scholarships and veterans' services.

Getting Your Lodge on Board

• Present the duck race concept at your next lodge meeting with real numbers from similar organizations

• Form a dedicated duck race committee — you need a chairperson, sponsor lead, marketing lead, and logistics coordinator

• Leverage your lodge's existing social events calendar to cross-promote the race months in advance

• Invite Elks from neighboring lodges to participate — inter-lodge rivalry drives adoption sales through the roof

• Use proceeds to fund something visible and specific: 'This race funded 40 college scholarships'

From First Race to Annual Tradition

The lodges seeing the biggest results are the ones that commit to making their duck race an annual tradition. Year one is about proof of concept. Year two, you double down on what worked. By year three, your duck race is the biggest event on the community calendar.

Your lodge already has the people, the passion, and the purpose. All you need is the ducks. Derby Duck Races will help you plan, execute, and crush your fundraising goals. Let's make your next event one for the record books!