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Tiny rubber ducks equal a big fundraiser

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 years, 8 months AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | February 7, 2019 12:00 AM

SANDPOINT — What the duck is going on, you ask?

Well, if you wake up or walk into work to find hundreds of tiny rubber ducks camped out around your desk, porch or business, you’ll know that you’ve been flocked courtesy of the Ponderay Rotary Club.

The tiny rubber ducks are the latest “quackable” fundraiser by the club to raise scholarships for local students, says club member and flocking organizer JP Carver.

“Don’t be alarmed if one day you find you have been overrun by these fun-loving feathered friends,” he joked in a press release. “They just need somewhere to gather until the annual Duck Derby this year.”

In the fundraiser, community members, friends, loved ones or, well, anyone can pay the Ponderay Rotary Club members to place the tiny, squeaky rubber ducks at the location of their choice. Individuals can opt for a small gathering (25 ducks) for a $25 donation, a medium gather of 50 ducks for a $50 donation, a large gathering of 100 ducks for a $100 donation, or a supersize gathering of 500 ducks for a $200 donations.

Folks who prefer to remain duck-free can opt to purchase anti-ducking insurance for a $25 premium.

“The gathering is done in good spirits and not meant to be mean,” Carver said “These ducks will gather at your location for a long time unless a donation is made to have them removed or moved to a different location.”

The idea came about during discussions by club members on how to not only raise money for scholarships but raise awareness of the groups annual Duck Derby, held during Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s Spring Fling weekend.

At first the club thought about flamingos or large rubber ducks but than inspiration struck when they realized they already had the feathered friends at hand to help them with their fundraising goals — the ducks used for the derby.

Want to help the Ponderay Rotary Club with its scholarship drive without taking part in the flocking or derby? You can do that as well by mailing donations to: Ponderay Rotary Club, P.O. Box 813, Ponderay ID 83852 or by calling Ryan Robinson at 208-304-8375. The sponsorship deadline is March 8.

Proceeds from both the derby and flockings will go toward the club’s 2019 scholarship fund.

In the past 10 years, the club has given more than $100,000 in scholarships to local students. All students are welcome to apply, Carver said. Past scholarships have gone to students seeking their deep sea diving certificate, kinesiology certification, vocational-technical degrees and college and university studies.

If you have any questions about the fundraiser, how it works or what to expect if you suddenly have 500 new bright yellow friends, Carver said folks are welcome to give him a call.

If you would like to participate and make a donation to have someone you know get a ducking — or make a donation for anti-ducking insurance to prevent your location from getting ducked contact JP Carver at 208-290-5364 or via email at [email protected].

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter@CarolDailyBee.

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