Rotary clubs across the country are discovering what makes a duck race the perfect fundraiser: it brings the entire community together, it is easy to organize, and it raises serious money. Derby Duck Races has partnered with Rotary clubs for over 35 years, helping them turn a fun day at the water into tens of thousands of dollars for local causes. From the Marion Rotary Duck Derby in Ocala, Florida to the Wakefield Rotary Duck Splash in North Carolina, Rotary clubs choose duck races because they align perfectly with the Rotary mission of Service Above Self.

Why Rotary Clubs Choose Duck Races

A duck race fundraiser checks every box for Rotary clubs. Community engagement is built in — families, local businesses, and sponsors all rally around race day. The event is family-friendly and draws crowds that traditional galas and golf tournaments simply cannot match. Most importantly, the ROI is unbeatable. Rotary clubs typically raise between $10,000 and $50,000 in a single event, with some exceeding $100,000. Derby Duck Races handles the heavy lifting — we provide the ducks, the technology platform for online duck adoptions, marketing materials, and step-by-step guidance so your club can focus on what Rotarians do best: serving the community.

How It Works

Getting started is simple. Your Rotary club partners with Derby Duck Races, and we walk you through every step. First, we help you pick a date and venue — any body of moving water works. Then we set up your custom online adoption page where supporters can adopt rubber ducks for a chance to win prizes. On race day, thousands of numbered ducks hit the water, the crowd cheers, and winners are announced. After the event, your club keeps the proceeds. We have done this over 2,000 times across the country, so you are never figuring it out alone.