Empowering Women, One Duck at a Time

Soroptimist International is on a mission to create opportunities for women and girls through access to education and economic empowerment. That mission deserves a fundraiser with matching ambition. Duck races deliver exactly that — high revenue, high visibility, and high community engagement.

A Soroptimist club in California raised $44,000 from their duck race, funding 8 Live Your Dream Awards for women pursuing education. That's eight women whose lives changed because of an afternoon of rubber duck fun.

Why Duck Races Empower Your Mission

• Duck races attract diverse community members who might never attend a traditional fundraiser

• The event demonstrates women's leadership — your organizing committee runs the show

• Corporate sponsorship pitches are easy: businesses love supporting women's empowerment AND community events

• The fun, approachable nature removes barriers to participation

Revenue That Makes a Difference

Soroptimist duck races generate impressive returns. Clubs report raising between $20,000 and $55,000 annually, with growth of 25-40% in subsequent years.

• 4,000 duck adoptions at $10 = $40,000

• Corporate sponsors contributing $10,000-$25,000

• VIP experiences and premium packages adding $5,000-$15,000

One club in Oregon created a 'Women's Power Pack' — five duck adoptions plus a branded tote bag — for $75. They sold 200 of them. That single product generated $15,000.

Strategies for Soroptimist Clubs

• Theme your race around empowerment: 'Strong Women Make Waves' or 'Dream Big, Race Fast'

• Feature Live Your Dream Award recipients at the event to share their stories

• Create a women-owned business vendor marketplace alongside the race

• Partner with local women's shelters and organizations to extend your reach

• Develop a girls' leadership component: teenage volunteers managing specific race-day areas

The Bigger Picture

Every duck adoption is a conversation about women's empowerment. Every sponsor meeting is a chance to advocate for your cause. Every family at the race learns about the barriers women face and what Soroptimists are doing about it.

Your club is changing lives. A duck race amplifies that impact exponentially. Derby Duck Races is honored to support organizations that champion women and girls. Let's plan an event that makes waves — in every sense of the word!