#AdvocacyMatters: A Quack-tastic Return

August 15, 2025 / #AdvocacyMatters

The work we do – and the needs of people with disabilities all across Ohio – far outpaces the federal grant funding that supports our mission. We often try to find creative ways to help grow our funding, and this will be the 5th consecutive year that you’ll find us chasing rubber ducks down a river.

Earlier this week we shared the exciting details of our 5th annual DRO Duck Derby. On Tuesday, September 23rd, hundreds of rubber ducks will race down the Muskingum River towards the Ohio River in Marietta. Each duck carries a number, and the sponsors of the first three ducks to reach the Putnam Bridge will win prizes – including a $500 first place award!

For just $5 each, you can sponsor a duck in the race… the more you sponsor, the better your chances of winning! Most importantly, your generous contribution goes right back to DRO to continue and expand the work we do every single day.

There’s plenty of ways to get involved:

• Sponsor ducks! Each duck costs just $5 to sponsor, and puts you in the running for our $500 top prize. The more ducks you sponsor, the better your odds of winning.
• Share the event with your friends and family! Helping us raise awareness about the event and our work can amplify and multiply your investment.
• Watch it live! The Duck Derby will be streamed on the DRO Facebook page, starting at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25th. The winners will be announced live during the stream!

When you join the fun with this event, you’re helping to bring our mission of an equitable Ohio closer to reality. You can learn more and sponsor ducks at disabilityrightsohio.org/duck-derby.

This year's event is sponsored by OPOC, Hall Financial Advisors, PNC, and Schneider Downs, and is made possible with the support of The Bauer Fund and the Marietta High School Tiger Navy.

#AdvocacyMatters