Duck Run Raises Over $5,000 Toward New Family Services Van

The Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC) is celebrating another successful Duck Run, thanks to the incredible generosity of the community. This year’s event raised more than $5,000 toward the purchase of a new van that will help expand services to children and families throughout Southern Windsor and Northern Windham Counties.

A total of 1,075 ducks were sold, including 979 yellow ducks and 96 purple ducks, making this the most successful Duck Run fundraiser to date. More than 300 people attended the free family event, enjoying an evening filled with activities, local organizations, food, music, and community connection.

Proceeds from the Yellow Duck Race benefited the Springfield Area Parent Child Center’s campaign to purchase a new van for serving local families. The Purple Duck Race also supported Lace Up for Laura, with proceeds shared between both organizations while awarding a cash prize to the winning purple duck ticket holder—making the race a win for multiple community causes.

While the fundraiser’s financial success is exciting, SAPCC Finance Director, Amanda Mcleod says the day represented something even more meaningful.

“As I sat at the welcome table, the sun was shining, children were laughing and playing in the foam pit, families were gathered together, and people from all over our community were simply enjoying being together. I remember thinking, ‘This is exactly what a community is supposed to feel like.’ It was one of those moments that reminds you why we do this work.”

Due to the Black River’s unusually fast current on the day of the event, the SAPCC Event Team quickly adapted the traditional duck race. Instead of releasing ducks into the river, the ducks were placed into a pool, where one lucky child helped draw the winning duck numbers. The change of plans created a memorable and exciting experience while ensuring everyone could safely enjoy the event.

“Every duck ticket purchased, every sponsorship, every volunteer, and every family who attended helped make this event possible,” Mcleod said. “More importantly, you’re helping create opportunities for families long after the event is over. Every time that future van hits the road, a little piece of this year’s Duck Run will be riding along with it.”

SAPCC extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose sponsorship made the event possible:

• M&T Bank
• Vermont Timber Works
• 802 Credit Union
• One Credit Union
• State Farm Insurance Agent Jerry Farnum
• HB Energy Solutions
• VTel
• EdgarMay Health & Recreation Center

Special thanks also go to the community organizations and businesses that hosted booths during the event, including Granite State Foam Frenzy, Turning Point Recovery Center, Springfield Humane Society, and JC’s Market, as well as the many SAPCC staff members and volunteers whose hard work made the evening a success.

Duck Run Winners

Purple Duck Race

• Winner: Duck #87 – $320

Yellow Duck Race

• First Place: Duck #963 – $200
• Second Place: Duck #333 – $100
• Third Place: Duck #547 – $50
• Last Place: Duck #410 – Swimming Lessons courtesy of EdgarMay Health & Recreation Center

The Springfield Area Parent Child Center is deeply grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, or attended. Together, the community is helping ensure that local children and families continue to receive the support they need—wherever they are.

For more information about the Springfield Area Parent Child Center or to learn how to support its mission, visit www.sapcc-vt.org.