South Gwinnett Rotary Club Hosts Duck Derby

Children and youth were the winners as the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett County raised more than $13,000 through sponsorships and rubber ducks at the 2016 Gwinnett Duck Derby. The second annual event was held at the West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center in Norcross back in September. Gwinnett businesses sponsored the fun, family friendly event, while individuals adopted 3,400 ducks for just $5 each.  

All proceeds go towards the club’s local and international programs for children and youth. The South Gwinnett Rotary Club, founded in 1982, is known for its service to the community and support for such organizations as the Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club, Corley Elementary School, and the Brookwood High School Interact Club. By raising funds each year, the South Gwinnett Rotary Club provides Gwinnett’s children with such items as: 

• The opportunity to attend an all-expense paid Rotary youth leadership camp
• College scholarships
• Playground equipment
• Support for literacy programs
• And so much more!

Pool games, a food truck and a DJ added to Duck Derby which culminated in ducks being launched from a slide into a lazy river which is part of the aquatic center. The ducks flowed into a catch basin and the first three finishers were awarded prizes. The first place prize was $2,500, the second place prize was $1,000, the third place prize was $500, and the day’s loser was even awarded $10.

A number of sponsors supported the event including GFS Advisory, Hayes Automotive, Rogers Electric, Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation, The Whitlock Group, Andersen Tate & Carr, Thompson Sweeny, Kinsinger & Pereira, P.C., Robert Jackson Wilson, P.C., LeCraw Realty, Billingsley, Retter & Associates, NOA Bank, United Community Bank and 12Stone Church.

To learn more about the duck race, visit www.gwinnettduckderby.com.  

Club members tag ducks.

Submitted by Barbara Myers - Rotary Club of South Gwinnett, Club Secretary