BEDFORD — The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County has officially launched ticket sales for its annual Ugly Duck Derby, introducing online purchasing options for the first time in the fundraiser’s history.
The main event is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 6 p.m. at the John Lowery Municipal Pool in Bedford, where thousands of rubber ducks will race to raise money for local youth programs. Participants will have a chance to win a $4,000 grand prize during the event. Leading up to the race, the community can enjoy free pool access at the facility from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ashley Gilstrap, Director of Resource Development for the club, joined WBIW’s Talk of the Town and spoke of the importance of the Ugly Duck Derby and other fundraising initiatives:
Club organizers announced that the shift to digital ticketing is designed to streamline the process and expand the event’s reach. Online buyers can now choose to receive their entry numbers via email or text message. For traditionalists, physical tickets will remain available through club channels.
How it works:
Each ticket you purchase is assigned a number that matches a duck in the race. When the ducks are released, the first ones to cross the finish line win prizes based on their ticket numbers.
Yellow Duck Race: 10,000 tickets sold – chance to win $4,000 & lots of other prizes
Blue Duck Race: 100 tickets sold – chance to win $2,000
To incentivize early participation, the club has tied a major raffle to bulk ticket sales. Supporters who purchase a package of 40 tickets for $100 before July 10 will automatically be entered into a drawing for a vacation stay in Siesta Key, Florida.
Tickets Prices:
- 1 Yellow Duck – $5
- 5 Yellow Ducks – $20
- 13 Yellow Ducks – $50
- 30 Yellow Ducks – $100
- *SPECIAL PRICE IF PURCHASED BEFORE JULY 10* 40 Yellow Ducks – $100 + a chance to win a free stay in Siesta Key!
- 1 Blue Duck Ticket – $100
Organizers are also leveraging some internal rivalry to boost sales. This year, the club will award a traveling trophy, along with bragging rights, to the Board of Directors member who sells the highest volume of tickets.
Proceeds from the derby directly benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, supporting after-school programming, academic tutoring, and athletic initiatives for area children.
Community members looking to purchase tickets or find more information can visit the official event page at bgclawco.org/uglyduckderby/.
