April 25, 2006 > Daring ducks swim for bucks

by Tony C. Yang

For the past 12 years, thousands of people from across the Bay Area have flocked to see the Ducks for Bucks race, held at Fremont's Lake Elizabeth. This year's Ducks for Bucks Benefit Race is scheduled for April 29, and promises a carnival, exciting prizes and features thousands of little yellow ducks swimming for riches and glory.

Over 40 non-profit organizations are involved in the Ducks for Bucks program. Last year, $51,076 was raised for local charities. The League of Volunteers, along with a myriad of local charitable organizations from churches to junior high schools, helped sponsor 7,879 rubber ducks last year.

The numbers of ducks and supporters have increased since the Ducks for Bucks inaugural race in 1995. Ducks are unloaded from a truck into the lake and move (usually with assistance of a fire department hose) toward a small winner's gate. Prizes are awarded by the order in which the ducks move through the gate.

Supporters can also take pride in the many worthwhile uses of the Ducks for Bucks proceeds- from charitable donations to local non-profits to holiday presents for needy children.

Children and adults can also enjoy food booths, music and other attractions along the lakeshore starting at 11:00 a.m.

Each year, there is a celebrity Race Marshal, and this year, NBC 11's John Farley will preside over the festivities. Throughout race day, drawings will be held for dozens of prizes, from a trip for four to San Diego to a brand new Chevrolet Cobalt.

Ducks for Bucks
Saturday, April 29
1:00 p.m.
Lake Elizabeth
40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont
www.ducks4bucks.org