Healthy Communities Start with Fun

The YMCA has been strengthening communities since 1844. From fitness programs to childcare, from swim lessons to youth development, your Y does it all. But keeping all those programs funded? That takes creative fundraising. Duck races are giving YMCAs a fresh, profitable, and community-building way to fund their mission.

A YMCA branch in Minnesota raised $37,000 at their duck race — enough to provide 150 youth scholarships for summer programs. The event attracted over 4,000 attendees.

Why the Y and Duck Races Are a Natural Fit

• YMCAs serve EVERYONE — duck races attract every age, income level, and demographic

• Your facilities and outdoor spaces can serve as event staging areas

• Y members are already engaged and loyal — they'll show up, volunteer, and promote the event

• The wellness angle creates unique tie-ins: wellness walks, fun runs, or fitness challenges alongside the race

Combining Fitness and Fun

Smart YMCAs are turning their duck race into a half-day wellness festival:

• A community fun run or walk that ends at the race viewing area

• Free fitness class demonstrations — yoga by the river, anyone?

• Healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition information

• Youth sports showcases and swim team exhibitions

• Health screenings and wellness resource booths

Revenue Expectations

• Small/mid-size branches: $20,000-$40,000

• Large/urban branches: $40,000-$80,000

• Multi-branch collaborative races: $75,000-$120,000

A YMCA in Ohio ran a collaborative duck race between three branches. Combined total: $96,000.

Tips for Y Success

• Sell duck adoptions at the front desk, in fitness classes, and at every Y event

• Create a 'Y Strong Duck Pack' — family adoption package with Y-branded merchandise

• Engage corporate wellness partners as sponsors

• Recruit volunteer teams from Y fitness classes and sports leagues

• Make scholarship impact stories the centerpiece of your marketing

The Y is where community happens. A duck race turns that community into a fundraising force. Derby Duck Races is ready to help your branch plan an event that's healthy, happy, and incredibly profitable. Let's dive in!