Rubber Ducks Race
This past weekend, tens of thousands of rubber ducks were unleashed on Rapid Creek for the 23rd Annual Great Black Hills Duck Race.
According to project Coordinator Betty Quasney of the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation, the event raised $95, 000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. All proceeds go towards equipment for the pediatric intensive care unit and the neonatal pediatric ward at Rapid City Regional Hospital, as well as to educational programs for children.
“So it really makes a big difference,” Quasney said. “I’d like to thank the community and all of our sponsors, because without their help this wouldn’t be possible.”
Angie Kliewer, director of the Rapid City Regional Hospital Foundation, expressed her gratitude as well:
“I thank everyone in this area for their outstanding support of the Great Black Hills Duck Race and the Children’s Miracle Network. The Duck Race is a fun family event which truly benefits our young patients in a big way.”
Before the event, locals and other contributors buy rubber ducks with which to compete in the race. The first duck to cross the finish like wins its buyer $5,000.
This year, Deb Bastgen’s duck won the competition. She explained that she bought ten ducks in honor of her nephew, who was forced to deal with liver failure at just seven years of age.
“My daughter gave him part of her liver, and now he’s 22 and in college and the perfect picture of health,” Bastgen shared. “The Children’s Miracle Network did so much for him, and I just had a great feeling doing that. It’s just wonderful to donate and feel helpful.”
This year was the most successful Duck Race yet, according to the event chairman Kevin Phillips. T-shirts of the event ran out in the first few minutes!
“For me and my family there is no organization closer to our hearts. We’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. “My youngest grandson, Owen, was born six years ago during the duck race. And he was born premature and we needed the help of the Children’s Network and the NICU up at the hospital.”