The Rotary Club of Morro Bay raised $14,000 in its first-ever combined Ducky Derby and shrimp and tri-tip barbecue fundraiser on Oct. 5. Rubber ducks purchased by participants were dropped in the Galley/Hofbrau restaurant Inlet on the Embarcadero, and the ducks crossed the finish line at Tidelands Park.
According to the Rotary Club’s flier, the money raised funds scholarships for Morro Bay High School students, local projects and the International Children’s Project.
The event was in collaboration with multiple rotary clubs on the Central Coast. The Rotary Club of Morro Bay is a volunteer-run organization with a motto of “Help us Help Others,” and is dedicated to serving their community, according to Rotary Club Secretary Kim Cade.
Over 150 people attended the Ducky Derby and 120 attendees came to the evening BBQ and auctions. Organizer and Rotary Club member John Solu noted that this year’s Ducky Derby had the highest attendance ever, thanks to collaboration among multiple rotary clubs on the Central Coast.
According to the Morro Bay Rotary Club website, community member Jeff Jones took home the grand prize of $1,000, with Valeri Zera winning $750 for second place and Deronda Burdette receiving $500 for third place.
The BBQ event featured a raffle, silent auction, live auction and dinner prepared by volunteer chefs. Local wineries Opolo Vineyards, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards and Zotovich Vineyards, donated bottles for the silent auction.
“We pushed and pushed and pushed to get it out there and get the tickets sold,” said Jude Long, Morro Bay Rotary Club Public Relations Director.
Cade expressed her excitement for the increased participation in this dual event, and how volunteers of all ages—from Rotary Youth Leadership students at Morro Bay High School to retired senior members—came together to make it a success.
“We [invited] a wide variety of ages and backgrounds to work together on engaging events that help to uplift others in the community,” Cade said.