Adopt some ducks, win a million bucks

Charity Duck Race on Daniel Island benefits Rotary Club projects

If you're looking for an interesting way to support the community, check out this weekend's Charity Duck Race on Daniel Island.

This is the third annual race, sponsored by the Daniel Island Rotary Club, and it promises to be a family-friendly good time as 15,000 rubber ducks will be dropped into the Wando River from the 526 bridge.

The first 25 ducks to cross the finish line will be awarded cash prizes ranging in value from $15,000 to $100 with the first 10 ducks having a possibility of winning $1 million.

The purchase of a duck will help benefit local charities around the Lowcountry.

"The idea for a rubber duck race came about thanks to one of our members, Bart Jackson," explains Doug Coupe, a current member of the Rotary Club. "We'd done a golf tournament and other events, but then Bart researched what other groups have tried and suggested this. It's a great way to raise money for charity and for club projects."

The Duck Race festivities take place on Daniel Island, with plenty of family activities to enjoy while the race goes on. There will be food, jump castles for the kids, face painting, music and an emcee will keep everyone posted on what the ducks are up to.

"We get people coming to this from all over the Lowcountry, not just Daniel Island residents," says Coupe. "Once the ducks have been dropped, it's quite a spectacle!"

Ducks can be purchased ahead of time via online, or even on the day of the race. A booth will be set up that morning for last-minute participants. The suggested donation is $10 per duck. Each duck is assigned a number.

The proceeds from the race benefit the Rotary Club's projects, in addition to several local charities, including East Cooper Community Outreach, The Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, East Cooper Meals on Wheels, Friends of the Berkeley County Library and Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina.

"The race really raises awareness of local charities, as well as the Rotary club and the projects we do, such as holding food drives," explains Coupe. "It reaches a lot of people and it's an entertaining, extraordinary event."

The race festivities start at 10 a.m., at the Daniel Island Waterfront Park. The duck drop is scheduled for 11 a.m., and lunch will be served by vendors during the race.

To purchase a duck or for more about the race, visit www.charlestonduckrace.com.

If you go

What: Third Annual Charity Duck Race.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: Daniel Island Waterfront Park and Community Dock.

How: Ducks can be adopted online for a suggested donation of $10 each at www.CharlestonDuckRace.com.

Prizes: First 25 ducks to cross the finish line will win cash prizes ranging from $100 to $15,000. The first 10 ducks have a chance to win $1 million

Benefits: Rotary Club projects focused children's literacy, scholarships and more.

Info: 568-2455, www.CharlestonDuckRace.com.