A Clear Vision for Fundraising

Lions Clubs have been serving communities since 1917, and the mission has always been clear: sight, hearing, and community wellness. But here's what's new — Lions Clubs are discovering that duck races are one of the most effective, enjoyable, and profitable fundraisers they've ever tried.

A Lions Club in the Pacific Northwest raised $41,000 with their duck race last summer. Every penny went to free eye screenings and glasses for kids in their district. That's over 800 pairs of glasses funded in a single afternoon of rubber duck fun.

Why Lions and Ducks Are a Perfect Match

• Lions already have massive community recognition — people trust you and want to support your events

• Your membership spans generations, giving you reach across every demographic in town

• Lions' emphasis on sight gives you a powerful story: 'Adopt a duck, give a child the gift of sight'

• District-level support means resources, templates, and fellow clubs to learn from

What Lions Duck Races Look Like

Picture this: a sunny Saturday afternoon at the local creek. Over 4,500 bright yellow rubber ducks hit the water as hundreds of families cheer from the banks. Food trucks line the park. A local radio station broadcasts live. Kids are wearing duck-themed face paint. And your Lions Club just raised $36,000.

That's not a fantasy — it's a typical Lions duck race. The format is simple: sell numbered rubber duck 'adoptions' for $5-$20 each, dump them all in the water, and the first duck to cross the finish line wins a grand prize for its adopter. Corporate sponsors get branded ducks and VIP packages. Everyone has a blast.

Tactical Tips for Lions Clubs

• Brand your race around vision: 'Ducks for Sight' or 'See the Finish Line' — tie every message back to your mission

• Set up a free vision screening booth at the race itself — demonstrate your impact in real time

• Use your Leo Club members (youth auxiliary) to handle day-of logistics and social media

• Create sponsor tiers named after eye-related themes: Eagle Eye Sponsor, 20/20 Sponsor, etc.

• Sell 'golden duck' premium adoptions at $100 each for a separate high-value prize drawing

Building Momentum Year After Year

Lions Clubs that run annual duck races report consistent growth. A club in Texas went from $28,000 in year one to $71,000 by year four. The key? They treated each race as a building block, growing their sponsor list, expanding their marketing, and adding new attractions each year.

You serve your community with everything you've got. A duck race is simply the most fun and efficient way to fuel that service. Derby Duck Races has helped Lions Clubs across the country plan and execute incredible events. Let's get your club in the water — your community's vision depends on it!