Race A Duck Or Dress One Up To Support Environmental Education

By: Lynne Hart

Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful is in the middle of fundraising season. Raising money to continue the work of this organization is a necessary evil, so we do our best to make it as much fun as possible.

Our office runs on a budget of just over $70,000 which covers salaries, supplies, events, projects and programs, and more. The City of Athens has provided us with an appropriation of $25,000 and Limestone County $6,000.

These appropriations are very much appreciated; however, this leaves us with a gap of about $40,000 which we must close through membership dues, event sponsorships, donations, and fundraisers.

On September 15, KALB hosted the 15th annual Duck and Run 5K, which was very successful! We thank all sponsors, volunteers, and participants!

Here are two additional opportunities for you to have fun while helping KALB raise necessary funding to continue our important work. To learn more about all of KALB’s programs, please visit www.KALBCares.com.

WACKY QUACKY DUCKY DERBY
Our rubber duck derby has been a favorite event since 2001. Participants “adopt” a specially-designed racing duck to be entered into the race in hopes of winning several wonderful prizes, including the $1,000 American Leakless Co. GRAND PRIZE.
The race will be run on October 6 at 4:00 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens (the duck pond). If you are at the Fiddler’s Convention, just walk across the street to watch all the rubber ducks race down the spillway; however, you don’t have to be present to win.

For a $5 donation to KALB, one duck will be entered into the race in the donor’s name. For a $25 donation, the donor will receive a Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack that includes 6 ducks (1 free) and a coupon for 25% off an entire order from Papa Murphy’s Pizza with no expiration date.

Ducks can be adopted at the KALB office, 125 East St. (across from the duck pond), or go online to www.KALBCares.com, then click the EVENTS tab to find the duck derby.

DUCK DECORATING CONTEST
Last year, several businesses and organizations had a great time decorating ducks in our inaugural event. KALB will provide a wooden duck (about 11” tall) to any business, group, or individual interested in participating.

Ducks may be decorated in any tasteful manner to reflect the business or organization, or to fit the theme “ATHENS BICENTENNIAL: 200 Years of Duck Tales.”

There is no initial charge to participate. We ask that items of value be included with the duck to encourage the public to vote through the purchase of raffle tickets. Decorated ducks can be displayed any time after October 15. The duck selling the most raffle tickets will win the “Best Decorated Duck – People’s Choice” ribbon. There will also be a winner of “Best Decorated Duck – Judges’ Choice” based on creativity alone.

Final display and raffle ticket sales will take place during the Athens Christmas Open House. KALB will have all decorated ducks displayed together.

Registration and guidelines are available at the KALB office or go online to www.KALBCares.com, then click on the EVENTS tab to locate this event.

We count on our community’s support so we can continue to help make Athens and Limestone County a clean and beautiful place to live, work, and play. For more information on these events or any KALB project or program, call 256-233-8000 or email KALBCares@gmail.com.
By: Lynne Hart
Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful