The Rubber Duck Roundup splashed to life last Saturday, September 20, at Darlings Marina on Siltcoos Lake with about 75 people in attendance and plenty of dogs in tow. Members of Florence’s Jeeps R Us club joined the festivities, handing out souvenir rubber ducks to the crowd, setting a cheerful tone along the waterfront. After a gray morning, the clouds finally parted, and the sun came out just in time for the moment everyone was waiting for.
One thousand rubber ducks were floated into the river and Goose, Darlings’ beloved duck dog, dove in and swam out to select the winning duck. Goose picked duck number 711, which belonged to Becky Cagle of Forrest Ranch, California. She took home the $500 grand prize. Applause and a few happy barks followed the announcement as families and friends snapped photos of Goose doing the honors.
A side fundraiser added another layer of purpose to the day…a 50–50 card drawing. People bought a playing card, and half the pot went home with the holder of the card that was drawn. The other half went to the Oregon Coast Humane Society to support animals in its care.
Darlings boosted the total by donating one dollar from every drink sold to OCHS, turning every toast into a small act of kindness. They presented OCHS with a check for $123.
A heartfelt thanks to community sponsors who helped make the event possible. Friends of Florentine contributed $250, Burch’s Roofing and Shippin’ Shack each gave $200, and US Bead Warehouse added $100. Their generosity, combined with community participation and the per drink donations, ensured the Roundup did more than just crown a winner. It delivered over $12,000 to help local animals.
We’re so thankful for Darlings Marina, our sponsors, and everyone who came out cheered on the ducks, and supported us. If you captured photos of the event and would like to share them for our gallery, please send them to valerie@oregoncoasthumanesociety.org.
NOTE: All ducks were retrieved from the lake and accounted for. We’ll use them again at the next Roundup.