On Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 2 p.m., nearly a thousand yellow rubber ducks will be “racing” down the Taneycomo lakefront at Branson Landing in the first ever Junior Auxiliary of Taney County Rubber Ducky Drift. The fun-filled family event is sponsored by Junior Auxiliary of Taney County and is a benefit for the children of Taney County.

The rubber ducks will be released by two larger variety ducks from Ride the Ducks. They will travel a path down Taneycomo to the finish line near the Bass Pro Shops dock. Several “lucky ducks” will win great prizes when their adopted ducks cross the finish line. The grand prize this year for the owner of the first duck to finish, is two round-trip airline tickets from the new Branson airport. Other prizes will include packages to St. Louis for a St. Louis Rams versus the San Francisco 49ers football game, a portrait package from Missouri photographer of the year, Pat Lambert, and a Branson show and hotel package.

“These are not ordinary rubber ducks,” says Beth Vaughn, JATC member and coordinator of the Rubber Ducky Drift. “These are racing ducks that have been training and preparing for the last few months to go out and raise money for area kids. These little ducks sport their owners’ numbers, a big smile and race their little hearts out for the sake of charity. Each duck belongs to a special someone who has adopted it for just a $10 donation.”

Sponsorships for the event are still available, and the public will have an opportunity to adopt a duck for the race by phone or in person from JATC members. Members will also have special adoption “ponds” at various locations in Branson. Adoptions are $10 per duck, and are taking place now and run through the day of the event. To adopt a duck now or to arrange a sponsorship, call Linda at (417) 365-1872.

“Providing help to kids in our community is very much a part of the mission of Junior Auxiliary. We’ve been very fortunate this year to induct new members who have planned an exciting new event for us. We hope to encourage local businesses to step forward with their support of this great event and to the community to adopt ducks for only $10.” said Kim Hollingsworth, Chapter President, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County. 
 
“Duck derbies have helped raise millions of dollars for non-profits this year in about 100 cities. Crowds in each city line up along waterways to cheer the ducks arrival and participate in the actual race day. We hope that those who adopt ducks – and even those who just want to enjoy the day – will join us at the Landing. It really will be fun for people of all ages,” added Vaughn.

Junior Auxiliary of Taney County is a member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. (NAJA), a nonprofit corporation based in Greenville, Mississippi, with 101 chapters in 8 states and more than 14,429 members.

Junior Auxiliary of Taney County has 41 members who each year donate thousands of hours to the chapter’s various projects. For more information on being a part of this group or to make a donation, contact Junior Auxiliary of Taney County’s membership chairperson, Mary Jo Green at (417) 335-2758.