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And by the time all of the plastic ducks, each with their own special number, had completed the course, the local chapter of Family Centered Services (FCS) was more than $20,000 to the good!
The Third Annual Duck Race on the Wabash was a huge success as the amount raised far exceeded the previous two races on the Wabash.
Ducks were sold by FCS representatives as part of the annual fund-raiser and the race course was from the pedestrian bridge at Kehoe Park to the finish line a short ways downstream
Firefighters from the Bluffton, Nottingham and Ossian Fire Departments helped give the ducks a nudge down the calm Wabash with sprays of water from tanker trucks.
The first duck to reach the finish line had been purchased by Carol Garretson of South Bend, who received the grand prize of $1,000.
Area merchants had supplied other generous prize packages, with prizes awarded to the first 30 ducks to reach the finish line.
Prior to release of the ducks, there was plenty of fun and activities going on at Kehoe Park through the efforts of the FCS staff and volunteers.
Included under absolutely ideal weather conditions was live music from young vocalists Maddie and Elena Merkel, as well as a variety of free games and activities for kids of all ages, as well as refreshments and the opportunity to meet up with Skipper the Duck, graciously portrayed for the third consecutive year by Mayor Ted Ellis.
Family Centered Services helps provide local families and children with the support and guidance they need at a critical time in their life, and is primarily supported through local efforts.
In order to claim money awarded to FCS through grants the agency is now required to raise matching dollars.
Contribution to Family Centered Services help provide families and children with the support and guidance they need at a critical time in their life.
The agency offers a variety of parenting programs as well as programs serving area youth, including Teen Court, Students Out of School, Youth as Resources, and Host Homes.
Other progams include The Closet, S.I.G.N.A.L.S and Safe Place, as well as Mentor Moms and Boot Camp for New Dads.
Other parenting programs include Parenting from the Heart, Families in Transition, and Healthy Families.
In addition to the grand prize winner, other winners in the duck race were Kristen Cogar, Ossian; Greg Bard, Huntington; Laura Sawyer, Bluffton; Tiffani Jacquay, Andrews; Cheryl Mowan, Fort Wayne; Barb Westrick, Defiance, Ohio; Dan Hakes, Decatur; Sue Stromberg, Bluffton; Sally Kain, Bluffton; Tom Strupp, Fort Wayne; Jamie Shanefield, Huntington; Jane Geimer, Bluffton; Jeremy Todd, Bluffton; Luke Towne, Markle; Connie Miller, Ossian; Tom Drew, Ossian; Jan Weinstock, Bluffton; Edgar Seward, Bluffton; Alice Di Novo, Ossian; Rick Park, Ossian; Deb Lockwood, Ossian; Barb Clayton, Gas City; Megan Cover; Natalie Taylor, Bluffton; Julie Terveer, Decatur; Teresa Williamson, Bluffton; Jody Holloway, Bluffton, and Rebekah Steury, Cecil, Ohio.
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