Staff Reports
The 18th Annual Kiwanis Incredible Duck Splash on Saturday saw 14,649 rubber ducks adopted with $55,230 raised for children and youth-oriented programs.
This was nearly double results from last year and included participation from 17 youth serving organizations in the Columbus area.
Participating groups keep 80% of the funds for their work and projects. Kiwanis uses its 20% of generated revenue for youth literacy efforts such as Book Buddies and Book Express, reducing infant mortality, supporting local agencies like Turning Point, Sans Souci, Love Chapel, Riley Hospital for Children and more.
The Lucky Duck number belonged to Jarrod Rutan of Columbus. However, since it was not one of the first 10 ducks drawn, he did not win the possible new car or $50,000 cash. Instead, he received a $100 consolation prize for having the Lucky Duck number.
Each adopted duck earned a person one chance to win one of 20 prizes totaling more than $12,000 in value.
The winners for the 2021 Duck Splash from first to 20th are: Debbie Lindauer (Columbus), Becky Ruthford (Salem), Carolyn Hiott (Columbus), Amber Wallen (Alexandria), Ryan Edgecomb, Lisa Mefferd, Rosa de la Cruz, DeAnna Ainsworth, Jay Hooten (all of Columbus), Miranda Aavatsmark (Winchester, Kentucky), Ted Pike (St. Paul), Jeff Erdman (Greenwood), Maritere Birkness (Rocky Mount, North Carolina), K. J. Ely (Columbus), Kevin Farrell (Greenwood), Ellie Mercado (Columbus), Charles Lane (Middletown), Jitesh Panicker, John Asel, and Joshua Carter (all of Columbus).
The Kiwanis clubs of Columbus expressed their appreciation for the continued support of generous sponsors, volunteers, and Duck Buddy organizations, and especially all those who adopted ducks to help local children.
