No More Wrapping Paper Sales

If you're a PTA or school fundraising committee, you know the drill: cookie dough catalogs, gift wrap sales, read-a-thons... year after year, the same formats with diminishing returns. Parents are tired of it. Kids are bored by it.

Now imagine: your school hosts a community duck race. Kids are screaming with excitement as 3,000 ducks hit the water. Families are having the time of their lives. And your PTA just raised $22,000 in a single afternoon — more than your last three fundraisers combined.

Why Kids and Parents Love Duck Races

• It's a genuine EVENT — not an obligation disguised as a fundraiser

• Kids can physically see and cheer for 'their' duck

• Parents actually enjoy attending instead of just writing a check

• The whole family participates, not just the student

• No product to buy, store, deliver, or consume

The School Duck Race Model

• Each student gets a unique adoption link or form to share with family and friends

• Ducks are adopted for $5-$15 each, with family packs and classroom bundles available

• Classrooms compete to sell the most — winning class gets a pizza party or extra recess

• Race day is a family festival with games, food trucks, and activities

Real School Results

• Elementary school (450 students): 2,800 ducks sold, $23,000 raised

• Middle school (600 students): 3,500 ducks sold, $31,000 raised

• High school booster club: 5,000 ducks sold, $42,000 raised for athletics

• District-wide collaborative race: 12,000 ducks, $89,000 for technology upgrades

PTA-Specific Tips

• Start promoting 8 weeks before the race — use school newsletters, apps, social media

• Engage teachers as 'Class Captains' — they're your best motivators

• Recruit parent volunteers through room parents and PTA email

• Secure prizes from local businesses — most are thrilled to donate for event visibility

• Create a race-day schedule with activities for all ages

Fund What Matters

Playground upgrades. Classroom technology. Field trips. Art programs. Whatever your school needs, a duck race can fund it — while giving your entire school community the best day of the year. Derby Duck Races makes it easy for PTAs to run professional-grade events. Let's make fundraising fun again!