On Sunday, the Deschutes River in Bend became a bright, buoyant celebration as the 37th Great Drake Park Duck Race streamed dozens of rubber ducks downstream. With all event costs covered by regional credit unions, every ticket purchase was funneled directly to four local nonprofit organizations, delivering a historic fundraising total of more than $2 million.
Community partners and beneficiaries
Michelle Solley, representing the Bend Rotary Club, highlighted the event’s long‑standing impact. “This is our 37th year. It’s organized by the three Bend Rotary Clubs and we have raised more than $2 million,” Solley said. The proceeds were split evenly among Friends of the Children Central Oregon, Kids Center, Saving Grace, and Family Kitchen, each of which provides vital services to families across the region.
Friends of the Children Central Oregon, one of the primary beneficiaries, supports roughly 100 youth who have faced significant adversity. Chloe Manke, a spokesperson for the organization, explained their mentorship model: “We pair children who have faced a tremendous amount of adversity, who are four and five years old, with a full‑time, salaried mentor for 12‑and‑a‑half years — so, all the way through high school graduation.” This long‑term guidance aims to break cycles of hardship and give children a stable path to success.
Upcoming events and community involvement
Friends of the Children will showcase its work at the annual Abundance Dinner and Auction this Thursday, featuring family‑style meals prepared with produce grown by the children themselves. The dinner offers a tangible example of how the organization’s programs translate into real‑world skills and community nourishment.
Other beneficiaries, such as Kids Center, provide after‑school enrichment and safe spaces for children, while Saving Grace offers emergency assistance and food resources to families in need. Family Kitchen delivers hot meals to those experiencing food insecurity, reinforcing the safety net that keeps Bend families resilient.
Why the duck race matters
Beyond the immediate financial boost, the duck race serves as a unifying event that brings together volunteers, local businesses, and residents of all ages. By turning a simple river race into a charitable powerhouse, the community demonstrates the power of collective action rooted in Christian values of service, family support, and individual liberty.
The success of this year’s race underscores the importance of local philanthropy and the role of credit unions in enabling nonprofits to thrive without administrative overhead. As the event continues to grow, it stands as a model for other towns seeking to combine fun, tradition, and generosity.
Looking ahead
Organizers are already planning next year’s race, aiming to expand participation and increase the donation pool even further. With the strong backing of the Bend Rotary Clubs and local credit unions, the Great Drake Park Duck Race is poised to remain a cornerstone of community generosity for decades to come.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
