Ducky Derby History
This fun event is the brainchild of Jack Brendlinger, Rotary President in 1992. He wanted to create a fund-raising and community-building opportunity that would create camaraderie within the Club, do good for local organizations and fulfill some worldwide needs.  On August 15 1992, thousands of rubber duckies were sent down to race the river for the first time. Now, 26 years later, while the ducks are still the racing stars, the event has grown to become a day-long festival.  It is a full day of live music, youth group booths offering games and activities, bouncy houses, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks and beer, merchandise sales and a silent auction. This yearly fundraiser has benefited 65 non-profit educational, health, human services and youth recreation organizations.
 
2019 Ducky Derby - First Place
The winners of the 2019 Ducky Derby are Mason Delman and his friend Griffin Strout.
 
 
From left to right, Pitkin County Commissioner Steve Child, winners Mason Delman and Griffin Strout, Rotarian Bennett Bramson (who sold them the winning Duck on the day of the event) and our 2019 Head Duck, Rotarian Norm Bacheldor!
 
Delman and Strout pooled their money to purchase two ducks on the day of the event! They won $15,000, and each will be using his share of the winnings ($7,500) for college expenses. Delman grew up in Deerfield, IL, and he is a senior at NY University. He is studying Lighting and Scenic Design.  Strout grew up in NYC and is a junior at Yale.  His curriculum is Music Director.  
2019 Ducky Derby - Top Ten Finishers

1st              $15,000   Mason Delman and Griffin Strout
2nd             $1,500     Lina Maldaikyte
3rd              $1,000     J. Hinduja
4th               $800       Gunter Schaldach
5th               $700       Donna Gerardi Riordan
6th               $600       Marilyn Levin
7th               $500       Kayla Fagre
8th               $400       Andrea Jones
9th               $300       Namdar Kazemri
10th             $200       Susan Sime

Last Place   $219       Susan Smith

The Ducky Derby