Who Says Fundraising Can't Be Fabulous?

Junior League members know a thing or two about running impeccable events. From charity galas to designer showhouses, everything you do reflects excellence. So when we tell you that a duck race can be just as polished — and far more profitable — you might raise an eyebrow. But hear us out.

A Junior League chapter in the Southeast hosted their first duck race and raised $58,000. Their gala the previous year? $35,000 after expenses. The duck race cost a fraction to produce and attracted three times the crowd.

Duck Races, Junior League Style

This isn't your average rubber duck free-for-all. Junior Leagues are elevating duck races into curated community experiences. Think champagne tents, artisan food vendors, live music, branded merchandise, and VIP riverside viewing areas.

• Create tiered experiences: General Admission, VIP Duckling, and Grand Quacker packages

• Curate a vendor village featuring local women-owned businesses

• Add an elegant brunch component for top-tier sponsors

• Design custom race-day merchandise that people actually want to wear

Why It Fits Your Mission

Junior Leagues develop the potential of women, improve communities, and promote voluntarism. A duck race checks every box:

• Developing women leaders — committee chairs gain real event management experience

• Improving communities — proceeds fund your signature projects directly

• Promoting voluntarism — the race requires and attracts dozens of enthusiastic volunteers

• Building community connections — the event draws people who might never attend a formal gala

The Revenue Opportunity

Junior League duck races typically outperform expectations:

• 5,000-10,000 duck adoptions generating $50,000-$150,000

• Premium sponsor packages from $2,500 to $10,000 each

• VIP experience upgrades adding $8,000-$20,000

One chapter on the West Coast crossed $120,000 in their third year.

Getting Started

• Appoint a Duck Race Chair and committee at least 8 months before your target date

• Develop a brand identity for the race that aligns with your chapter's visual standards

• Create a dedicated social media campaign with countdown content and behind-the-scenes previews

• Engage your Provisional members — this is an amazing hands-on training opportunity

Your chapter has the talent, the taste, and the tenacity to pull off something spectacular. Derby Duck Races provides the infrastructure; you provide the magic. Let's create an event your community will talk about all year long!