(BEDFORD) – More than $4,500 was raised during the kick-off event for the 7th Annual Ugly Duck Derby and Belly Buster on Tuesday night at the Downtown Depot.
Dr. Jim Sowders and Steve Warren draw the winner of the Branson, Mo. trip.
“We are very excited this year, this is probably one of the best kick-offs we had yet and we hope to sell all 10,000 ducks this year.” Dr. Jim Sowders one of the organizers of the event.
This year if your duck is the first to cross the finish line you will win a 2-year lease on a Ford F-150 Super Crew truck donated by Bedford Ford. Many more prizes will be awarded to other ducks like Colts, Indians, IU and zoo tickets, gift certificates and golf lessons just to name a few.
“We were able to offer the truck this year because the value of a truck now is holding up better than a car at the end of two years. The demands for SUV’s and trucks now are increasing,” said Steve Warren Bedford Ford. Using a theme for this year’s event, “Buy a Duck, and Win a Truck” have been creating some excitement around this year’s fundraiser.
Ford F-150 Super Crew
Byron Buker was the winner of the Branson, MO. trip over fall break.
Lawrence County Human Resources Director and candidate for Bedford City Council Brian Skillman enjoying the event
The event also revealed some of the local celebrities competing in the 2019 Belly Buster competition. They are:
- Indiana State Trooper Chance Humphrey
- Event Planner at Celebrations of Southern Indiana and Realtor at Williams Carpenter Realtors Natasha Johns
- JK Robbins of Rainbow Printing
- Austin Malone Principal Shoals Middle School
- Lawrence County Human Resources Director and candidate for Bedford City Council Brian Skillman
- Officer Tim Butcher Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department
- Andrea Richardson Photographers Assistant/Receptionist at Richardson Studio and Customer Service Specialist at German American Bank
- Bill Decker Resource Officer for the Bedford-North Lawrence High School
- Masked Flopper – This person will not be disclosed until the day of the event. Come to the event to find out who it is.
More Belly Busters are needed; if you know of a person that might want to be part, have them contact the organizers.
Dr. Jim Sowders discusses the Belly Buster competition with JK Robbins
Dr. Jim Sowders and Natasha Johns chat during the event
Ducks will be sold now through May 18 when the Duck Derby takes place at John Lowery Municipal Pool from noon to 1:30 p.m. Ducks are $5 each or five for $20. A flock of 13 is available for $50. There are 10,000 ducks available for the adoption.
Resource Development & Marketing Director of the Girls and Boys Club Timber Browning chats with a group purchasing ducks
The Duck Derby itself will be held on May 18 at noon at the John Lowery Municipal Pool.
“We will have music, Belly Buster Contest, food truck, activities, T-Shirts, and most of it donated 50 prizes donated by business and individuals who support the Boys/Girls Club of Lawrence County,” Timber Browning stated.
All proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lawrence County.
“We would like to thank the Bedford Park’s Department, volunteers, and workers of the Boys & Girls Club, Dr. Jim Sowders, and Richard Burton of Bedford Ford for all the hard work and partnering with us,” said Frank Decker Director of Boy & Girls Club of Lawrence County.
This fundraiser is one of five main fundraisers for the Club which offers activities, programs, and education opportunities for youth all throughout Lawrence County. This gives the community a chance to help today’s youth.
