To The Editor:
The 2025 Mad River Valley Rotary Duck Race held on August 31 was a huge success. Net proceeds exceeded $24,000 which will be returned to the community in the form of grants supporting programs that affect our daily lives. Special thanks to winners who donated their winnings back to Rotary. The MRV Rotary thanks everyone with heartfelt gratitude.
The Duck Race fundraiser began over 25 years ago with paper ticket sales. At the time, the race was held on the Mad River near Kenyon’s field, returning a few thousand dollars back to the community. Now the race is held at the Lareau swim hole and includes family-friendly events including a magic show in the grassy park. Support has grown enormously in dollars and geography. Ducks are purchased online or in person using Venmo and other credit card options. Supporters live as far away as Alaska, Montana and Florida and everywhere in-between. A purchaser in Florida requested a live stream so that they could be part of the excitement.
Susan Klein, Mad River Valley Rotary president, said “Volunteers donate hundreds of hours counting and numbering ducks, planning, and managing the actual race. Thank you to everyone who loves this Valley and supports this race year after year – especially buyers of one duck or 10 ducks”.
The winners of the race are as follows:
Michael Bridgewater Mad Duck 100 Winner
Robert Thomas 1st place
Otto Thein 2nd place
Debbie Carter 3rd place
Sharon Kellermann 4th place
Misha Goffman 5th place
Foster Post 6th place
King Plumbing and Heating 7th place
Robert Perry 8th place
Robert Thomas 9th place
Lillian Devine 10th place
Meaghan Phillips 11th place
Information about how to become involved in Mad River Valley Rotary can be found on our web site http://www.mrvrotary.org. Again, an enormous thank you!
Linda Levin for the Mad River Valley Rotary
