SERvice TO MAnkind — With Rubber Ducks

Sertoma's mission of service to mankind, particularly in hearing health, deserves a fundraiser that matches its ambition. If your club has been grinding through the same tired events year after year, it's time to discover what hundreds of service organizations already know: duck races are a game-changer.

A Sertoma Club in Indiana raised $33,000 with their duck race, funding hearing aids for 45 community members who couldn't afford them. Try getting that kind of impact from a car wash.

The Sertoma Advantage

• Your members are passionate about a cause people deeply relate to — hearing loss affects millions

• Sertoma Clubs tend to be tight-knit and action-oriented, perfect for organizing a large community event

• The hearing health angle creates unique marketing hooks: 'Hear the splash! Fund a hearing aid!'

• Community partnerships with audiologists and hearing clinics add credibility and cross-promotion

How the Money Adds Up

Duck races are beautifully simple in concept but powerfully effective in execution. Sell rubber duck adoptions, secure corporate sponsors, host the race, celebrate. A Sertoma Club of 40 members can realistically raise $25,000-$45,000 annually.

• 3,500 duck adoptions at $10 each = $35,000

• 8-12 corporate sponsors at $1,000-$5,000 each = $15,000-$30,000

• Food, merchandise, and extras = $3,000-$8,000

• Total potential: $53,000-$73,000

Subtract your minimal expenses — duck rental, permits, marketing materials — and you're looking at profit margins that would make any nonprofit jealous.

Tips Tailored to Sertoma

• Set up a hearing screening station at your duck race — show impact in real time

• Create a 'Sound Wave Sponsor' tier for local businesses

• Partner with hearing aid manufacturers for donated prizes or co-sponsorship

• Feature testimonials from hearing aid recipients at the event

• Challenge neighboring Sertoma Clubs to run their own races and compare results

Beyond the Dollars

Yes, the money matters. But duck races do something else that's hard to quantify: they raise awareness. Every duck adoption is a conversation about hearing health. Every sponsorship pitch is an opportunity to educate a business leader.

Sertoma Clubs are doing incredible work. A duck race gives you the fuel and the spotlight to do even more. Derby Duck Races is ready to help your club make a massive splash. Let's talk about your first race — the community is listening!