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Big Year for Rubber Duck Race
Sunday's rainy weather, which wasn't ideal for people, was perfect for thousands of little rubber ducks that raced and left behind significant money for education.

The 13th annual Galesburg Public Schools Foundation Rubber Duck race at Lake Story Park was a success, and District 205 will benefit from the generosity of everyone who gave money to the cause.

Karen Hawkinson, secretary of the Galesburg Public Schools Foundation, tells WGIL this year's event was the best ever. "Probably the trickiest weather ever, but certainly, the best for duck sales," Hawkinson said. "We sold a record amount this year. I think, maybe, having the race back to a full week after Labor Day has helped us. But, everybody has worked hard, and the community is always so supportive of this."

Officials say duck sales topped 7,800, and over $39,000 was raised. The race is one of two major fundraisers the foundation has each year, the other being the Annual Support Campaign in November.

Prizes up for grabs included $2,000, $1,000, a John Deere lawn mower from Kleine Equipment and many others. It was a big day for Bill Kelly of Galesburg, who took home the two top prizes, or $3,000. Century Telephone was the winner of the mower.

The Public Schools Foundation gave back to the schools more than $15,000 last year, which officials say helped to fund needed new technology items like LCD projectors, calculators and software updates. "Bucks from the Ducks" will be distributed to each school as they submit proposals for specific projects or equipment they need.


(The rubber ducks as the race began. WGIL News Photo by Rick Heath.)
09 14 08 by Newsroom
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