County are helping Ocala float with pride.
The Rotary Club of Ocala recently paired up with the four other Rotary clubs
in Marion County to put on the fifth annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby at
Tuscawilla Park. Initially scheduled for Feb. 17, inclement weather moved the
event to Feb. 19. The event kicked off at 1:30 p.m. with the highlight of the
event, the rubber duck race itself, at 4 p.m.
Proceeds from the event went toward several charities supported by the
Rotary Club, along with the main goal of benefitting the Discovery Center of
Ocala, a local children’s learning center right across the street from the
event. According to the event website , the Discovery Center “is dedicated to
providing education in a fun, hands-on way through exploration and
discovery.”
Interested attendees could help support the mission by buying duck-themed
merchandise or adopting their own quacktastic racer.
“After you adopt your duck, the Marion Rotary Duck Derby team will work
hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for Duck Race day.
After the race, all of the ducks will fly off to their next race somewhere in the
US.” states the event’s website.
Those lucky guests who adopted the first three duckies to cross the finish
line won prizes, including the grand prize of $2,000.
“We’ve always, like I said, given back to the community,” said Tim Dean,
president of the Rotary Club of Ocala. “We’re the oldest club – Ocala Rotary
Club. We’ve been in the community for over 100 years. And during that time
period, we’ve given back … We’ve helped create and maintain parks. So, a
variety of different ways of giving back.”
In fact, the Rotary Club of Ocala is also behind the Discovery Center. Dean
went on to share the story of its creation.
“[It’s] the old armory building, which is right across the way there,” Dean
explained. “About 15 years ago, the city approached us and said, ‘Hey,
would you be interested in partnering with us to try to reform that old musty
gym upstairs? We need an elevator, et cetera.’ And so, we did.”
Fundraising events like the Duck Derby are how community projects like the
Discovery Center stay afloat.
“Over the last 15 years, through a variety of fundraisers, we’ve raised
probably around $250,000 to $300,000, somewhere in there, to help partner
with the city and create the Discovery Center,” said Dean. “It’s a nice benefit
to the community, inspiring children and families. I think it’s pretty cool.”
While this year’s festivities have ended, the Rotary Club of Ocala is still hard
at work helping the community and encourages locals to give back. The club
is launching its newest venture, Rotary IMPACT, which aims to enable more
community members to volunteer with future derbies or other acts of service
without having to worry about time or budgets.
“We started this IMPACT companion club, and so what it allows is people to
come,” said Dean. “One of our meetings every month is going to be – rather
than at noon, we’re going to have a social one. It’s totally optional. And
hopefully it appeals to young people that are interested in giving back to the
community and participating.”
IMPACT service projects are low commitment, only meeting about six to
eight times a year: much more compatible with student schedules. Some
service opportunities include local charity fundraisers like the Duck Derby, as
well as town beautification projects like litter pick-up events and painting
community buildings.
Information about the Duck Derby can be found at DuckRace.com/Ocala.
Those interested in Rotary IMPACT can contact [email protected]
for more information.
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