The Queen Ducks Speech from the Ducky Derby Awards

The motto of Rotary is Service Above Self.  The byproduct of that is fellowship, since we have all made some great friends in Rotary.  It's a funny thing about "doing for others".  When we "do for others" invariably we are enriched or made better as a byproduct of this activity.  We don't "do for others" expecting something in return, but we almost always get a good feeling or even make a new friend.  Often, we underestimate the value of our actions toward others or the long term effects of a program.

The Ducky Derby is simply a partnership between RER, our sponsors and our youth.  RER provides the infrastructure, the sponsors (hopefully) provide enough in cash and goods to cover the cost of the race, the students adopt out the ducks.  Pretty simple!

The Ducky Derby raises funds for Youth Development & Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. I would venture to say that (sadly) there is likely not an adult (and likely many students) in this room who has not been touched at some level by substance abuse.  Perhaps they are raising a grandchild because their own child is addicted and unable to do so.  We have seen young people of great promise not fulfill their destiny due to going sideways on drugs and alcohol or worse yet die in an alcohol or drug related accident.  The pain is so deep.  We are full of sadness, anger, frustration.  We know that at the point we are experiencing this, there is little we can do to change it.  We beat ourselves up and think, why can't we help this person change their lives or why didn't we do something to stop the terrible accident.  The truth of the matter is that, once addicted, the only one who can "cure" the addict is the addict.  

Does the Ducky Derby prevent these situations?  I guess we'll never know for sure.  But what keeps me coming back to this project is the firm belief that we MAY touch the future by providing this unique partnership.  We empower our youth to raise funds for the programs that they CHOOSE to keep them stimulated, (hopefully without alcohol or drugs).  Perhaps they will feel the adrenaline high of a nature experience at Whiskeytown Environmental Camp.  I don't pretend this program is a panacea to the problem.  But I am convinced it is one of the most effective ways we have to help our youth find alternative to drugs and alcohol.   

Today we have the distinct pleasure of distributing the fruits of our joint labor to all of our youth partners. Even in this tough economy we are distributing over  $200,000 to our community.  This brings our total to almost $3.5 million!!  While we did not raise enough $$ to cover the cost of the race, we are able to use our reserve funds to continue to distribute 100% of ticket sales back to you this year. 

As Chairman, I am almost overwhelmed by the spirit of cooperation and support that makes this Race a success.    But, these are really labors of love.  Love for our community and its future.our young people. 

We have some special recognition today.  First, I would like all the media sponsors of the race to be recognized.  Next all of our cash sponsors and prize sponsors.  I would like to thank all of our Rotarians who served as committee chairs and all the adults who worked on the event.

You students that are here today need to know that all of these folks care about you and your future.  You have heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child?"  Here today are many members of that village.  We want to support your efforts to raise funds for YOUR activities.  That's what is so unique about the Ducky Derby.  We are a partnership.  We want you to know that there are so many better ways to have fun that don't involve drugs or alcohol. 

I have two presentations to make to Rotarians today.  First is our Foundation Chair, Marge Remedios.  Her husband Francis was one of the Rotarians to commit to this project 21 years ago.  It's is rather fitting that she is our Foundation Chairman.  PLUS she is a baker extraordinaire!  She prepares the best treats for our club.  So I have a special cake server for her.with love and appreciation.

Next I have a rather sentimental presentation to make to Bill Evanhoe.  In 2005, when I finished my year of training and took on the race, Neal Sternberg gave me a special jacket.  Upon reflection, I have decided that it really belongs with someone else.  This gentleman commits an almost immeasurable amount of time to the race, as well as cash sponsorship AND countless hours of his staff time.  His leadership has caused so many of the staff to join him that it really is a family affair for the whole staff of Evanhoe Kellogg CPA's.   I did not have time to add the new embroidery, but I will add Count Drukula to this jacket and hope that you will wear it with pride!  Thank you so very much for your continued commitment to the race!

We have a couple of folks to say a few words before we distribute the money.  Will you please welcome first, Larry McKinny, President of Simpson University and our host Superintendent of Schools, Tom Armelino.

We have another special guest today.  Please welcome Officer Butch Brown from RPD.

Michelle Nystrom, a parent at Boulder Creek School began as coordinator for her school just a few short years ago.  I remember her persistence with Anita, continually asking for more tickets.  This year her efforts put Boulder Creek School at the top of the list, ahead of perennial leader Turtle Bay School.  Granted it was only about $1,000, so I expect some stiff competition next year.   Clearly this project is a family affair as her daughter  Elizabeth- one of the top sellers- is going to help her mom share a few thoughts with us.     

I would like to take a moment to introduce & thank my Co-chairman Terry Hanson.  He is delightful to work with and doesn't have "can't" in his vocabulary.  

I also need to recognize some other VIP's & ask that they join us on stage for the presentations.

FIrst:  As you all know, one of the big draws for the event is our grand prize.  We hope for something that has universal appeal and also has a significant value.  This year the Chris Carter and the staff at Meeks Lumber and Hardware volunteered to build our wonderful playhouse from materials donated by the employer. 

Daniel Pearson of Blue Shield of CA.  Their volunteers are a huge part of what makes duck sticking a simple process rather than the arduous process of the past.

Each of our Media sponsors is very valuable to us.  They help us get the word out to you. 

Shanna Cannon- Record Searchlight & a member of RER

Rick Healy - Results Radio Rick Healy

KHSL TV

Mike Quinn (father of Michelle) and owner of KLXR

The top duck sellers were Luke Handley of Bonny View Elementary (300 Ducks), Elizabeth Nystrom of Boulder Creek School (205 Ducks) and Caleb Guggenbickler of Boulder Creek School (201 Ducks)

Thanks to all of you who have made this event successful -this year and in the prior 20.  The little ducks on the table are a gift from me to the students here.  So please feel free to take one home with you as a little souvenir.