(File Photo) Disability Rights Ohio board member James Fetter of North Canton held a basket of rubber ducks at the organization’s fourth annual Duck Derby Race on the Muskingum River in 2024.

Disability Rights Ohio is hosting its fifth annual Duck Derby at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23.

About 1,000 rubber ducks will be launched down the Muskingum River in Marietta. Each duck is assigned a number and sponsor and the first three ducks to reach the Putnam Bridge win prizes.

First place wins $500, second is $250 and third comes in at $125 in cash.

Each duck is $5 to sponsor and can be purchased on the website at www.disabilityrightsohio.org/duck-derby

Communications and Outreach Director Ross Musick said this is their most visible fundraising event.

(File Photo) A basket of numbered rubber ducks awaited the start of the fourth derby.

“We have connections in town and some of our sponsors help with the ducks,” said Musick. “The community has been really great and we love the town.”

DRO is based in Columbus but has programs and outreach available across the state. Musick said fundraisers like the Duck Derby are a great way for people around Ohio to find out about the organization.

He said last year they had about 350 ducks and they’re hoping to have more ducks and sponsors this year.

“The money that comes in from this fundraiser is outside of our core grants, therefore these funds go to expanding services where we see demand that is exceeding our resources,” said Musick. “The funds are also used for any sort of need that we identify as a new barrier for people with disabilities.”

The money raised from fundraisers such as the Duck Derby goes directly back to DRO so they can use it to expand their programs. He said they don’t have a target goal of money to be raised.

“We really do love doing this event,” he said.

The Duck Derby and winners will be streamed live on DRO’s facebook page www.facebook.com/DisabilityRightsOhio

This year’s derby is sponsored by One-Point-of-CARE, Hall Financial Advisors, PNC Bank and Schneider Downs. The event is made possible by The Bauer Fund and the Marietta High School Tiger Navy.

DRO is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and protections of those with disabilities. It hosts multiple events and programs throughout the year.