Duck Derby raises money for people with disabilities and Veterans

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Duck Derby at Lock #10 Canal Park raised money to help people with disabilities and Veterans being able to ride and interact with horses.

The Duck Derby featured over 2000 ducks racing on the Muskingum River. The ducks cost $5 each or five ducks for $20. The top finishers received prizes. The money raised from the race is the biggest fundraiser for their Programs.

“It’s how we raise money for funding our therapeutic riding and Veterans program,” says Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center Assistant Director Megan Shaw “It’s free to veterans every Monday. They come out, ride horses, hang out, and have that bonding time.”

There was also a silent auction, a live auction, and music. The money goes to offset the cost of the therapeutic and Veteran programs.

“The Veterans program is totally free,” said Shaw. “We fund it completely through fundraisers and sponsors. That way our Veterans never pay anything out of pocket. Our Therapeutic program, we keep the price low, so to supplement that, we hold fundraisers and get donors. We like holding fundraisers because it gets the community involved and you get something for your money.”

Shaw said they are hoping to raise $10,000.