Who does The Great Rubber Duck Race benefit?
All proceeds from the Great Rubber Duck Race will benefit individuals and families in Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Braxton, Clay and Logan counties. They are served by our nonprofit partners or receive direct support from United Way of Central WV.
How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at a Duck Race booth or in a sponsoring business is entered into what we call E-Quack, a database that stores all of the information. Next to your name in E-Quack is the number of ducks you have adopted. The tag range is entered into E- Quack and all the numbers are shuffled up. Then, E-Quack automatically assigns the number of ducks you have adopted next to Tag Numbers. Thus, if you adopted 5 ducks, your name will be placed next to 5 different Tag Numbers.
How do my ducks get in the water?
Let’s Tag! A few days prior to the race, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the duck race - which is 10,000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7 digit number and ending with a 7 digit number.
For Example: 8580001-8590000
What is my tag number?
Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no duck has an unfair advantage and the race is not fixed, so to ensure the integrity of the race, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all the ducks you have adopted will be in the water.
What if you have 8,000 Adopted Ducks but you have 10,000 Tagged Ducks on Race Day?
If all our ducks have not been adopted by race day, only the number of adopted ducks are in the race.
When and where is the Great Rubber Duck Race and what does it cost?
The Great Duck Race will take place on July 6, 2024, in the Kanawha River, as part of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. Your duck, along with all the others will be tossed from the Southside Bridge and float to shore. The first 10 ducks through the finish line will win some amazing prizes.
How will I know if my duck wins?
A United Way of Central West Virginia staff member will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption.
Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks, silly!
Who can adopt a duck?
Anyone 18 years and older may adopt a duck.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No. After you adopt your duck, the Great Rubber Duck Race team will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for race day. After the race, all of the ducks will fly off to their next race somewhere in the United States.
Do I have to be present to win?
No, you do not. You are welcome to join us at the Levee for the event.
Can I adopt ducks on race day?
Sorry, no.
Are duck race entries tax deductible?
Duck Race entries are considered raffle tickets. Raffle tickets are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your tax advisor.
How do I contact someone at the Great Rubber Duck Race if I have questions that are not answered here? Please contact us by emailing kriddle@unitedwaycwv.org or call 304.340.3500