Hundreds Flock To Dedham Duck Race For Neponset Valley Charities

DEDHAM, MA - Hundreds of people flocked to Dedham's Riverside Park on Saturday afternoon for the 20th annual Duck Race on the Charles, a traditional event to raise money for area food pantries and charitable efforts spanning the globe.

Sponsored by the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary, the race had been held virtually during the past two years because of the pandemic, explained Mike Thornton, a co-founder and director of the Rotary who organized the celebration.

"We had a really beautiful and highly successful Neponset Valley Rotary Duck Race on the Charles," he said after the race ended, noting that it raised $10,000 in one day. "Great turnout, nice weather, pony rides, face painting, great food. We had hundreds of energized and enthusiastic kids dancing with a special guest star today… Donald Duck!"

For $5, children were able to "adopt" a duck to float into the Charles River. They were launched at about 2:15 p.m., bobbing along the current toward the finish line downstream. There were three winners, who received prizes of $1,000, $500 and $100, respectively. It took about 10 minutes for them to begin to cross the finish line, with children shouting their support.

In addition to donating money to local food banks and organizations, the Rotary uses the money to fund scholarships for area students at the Blue Hills Regional Technical School as well as for students who have the opportunity to study abroad.

The nonprofit serves the communities of Canton, Dedham, Foxboro, Medfield, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Sharon, Walpole and Westwood. Members participate in weekly meetings to discuss ways in which to support their communities as well as hear from guest speakers.

Thornton attributed some of the event's success to the participation of area sponsors. Eversource and Dedham Savings were "Grand Mallard" sponsors, while other major contributors included Environmental Partners, Dedham's Showcase Cinema de Lux and Vantage Real Estate.

"These proceeds allow us to fund many local and global charities throughout the year," Thornton said.

Norwood Bank, Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, the Norfolk and Dedham Group, Winning Inc. and Walpole Co-operative Bank also supported the event, which was augmented by donations from local businesses and families.

To learn more about the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary, go to this link.