Some duckies luckier than other duckies

BY Amritha

More than 1,100 rubber duckies were tossed into the waters of the pool at the Lodge Sunday, and they effortlessly and slowly swam for the Family Matters Lucky Duck Derby win.

With Master of Ceremonies Dave McCrory at the mike and Sandy Geer as this year’s Grand Marshal, the duo had the handful of spectators at the pool cheering for the little rubber ducklings to make it across the pool first.

The event was live streamed on the Family Matters Facebook page so all those who donated to adopt the hundreds of rubber ducks could watch the fundraising event.

Dave and Sandy released the rubber duckies into the pool and as they made their way down a swimmer’s lane, Dave introduced the many sponsors of the event.

Some of the myriad prizes donated to the winners of the annual Canyon Lake Family Matters Club Lucky Duck Derby are tended to by Dave McCrory and Shawna Bowen. Kathy Wood looks on as the three wait for the conclusion of the race at the Canyon Lake Pool Sunday.

James Hoonnirun helped the duckies swim across the pool, first by kicking his feet in the pool’s cold water. Once the crowd of duckies were about halfway across the pool, James brought out the big gun…a high pressure hose. With the hose pushing the duckies down the pool, the leaders began to emerge.

Many of the club members helped the little ducks out of the water as they made their way to the finish line. Donna Love-Joy, Donna Kupke, Kathy Wood and Brian Wood were among some of the members who jumped right in to identify and grab the ducks as they hit the finish line.

One by one the duckies finishing first were pulled from the pool.

The first place duck, #717, was adopted by Calista McGee, second place, #486, by Joanne Lee from team “Italian Family.” Third place,  #1160, went to Michelle Stubbs, fourth place, #1060, Amy Gerrard, fifth place, #216, Amanda Cooper, and sixth place, #129, Carrie Carter.

Five other lucky duck winners of chocolates donated by MalibuGift went to #23 Jill Batinich, #82 Shelby Childers, #37 Linda Gavin, #529 Ryan Sampson and #602 Colette Reyes.

Super Zinggs pulled out a lucky duck winner #476, which was adopted by Janice Hogan who won a gift basket of zingers, wine and other goodies.

The winner of the lucky duck float, gifted by GoFloats, was #1140 Stephanie Hunter. 4 All Promos provided five lunch pails/stuffed duck sets to winners #864 Kimberly Devilla, #1162 Michelle Stubbs, #1127 Lina Dominguez, #130 Carrie Carter and #400 Joanne Pontes.

Candy Warehouse sponsored the next three ducks that finished the race. The winners received duck candles and a cooling pack. Those winners were #752 Bonnie Wade/Jane Lafferty, #336 Brandi Lynn from Team Cupcake Mafia and #824, Valerie Reeves.

The slowest duckie was also honored. That last place duck was adopted by Dave McCrory, who won $50.00, which was donated by Arbor Hospice.

Club Founder Shawna Bowen expressed the club’s appreciation for all their sponsors who made the event possible. She thanked Banner Sponsors, Bastman Properties, Harcourts Prime Properties, along with First Place Sponsor, Canyon Lake Solar and Third Place Sponsor, Queen of Travel.

Super Zinggs and MalibuGift provided prizes and Gofloats for the duck float for one of the many winners, 4 All Promos for the five lunch pails/stuffed duck sets and for the Family Matters Club for prize money for second, fourth, fifth and sixth place.

Shawna was particularly thankful to the Canyon Lake POA for allowing the club to use the pool pre-season. Jeannie Hoonnirun was the live stream videographer.