Let the Duck Races Begin

Hundreds of little yellow, pink and blue ducks will be racing down slides at AquaLusion in Langendorf Park Saturday for JourneyCare Foundation’s signature fundraiser.

JourneyCare’s Duck Races and pool party, from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, is celebrating 20 years of raising funds for the Barrington center’s pediatric hospice and palliative care program.

Duck adoptions are still being accepted. Participants have a chance to win prizes by “adopting” (purchasing) ducks with the hope that they win in any of the several races. The ducks are numbered and winners announced after the races. Local businesses have donated prizes.

The Duck Races are the only fundraiser during the year that specifically funds the pediatric programs. Last year, JourneyCare covered almost $338,000 for care services provided to children because of the community’s generosity.

JourneyCare’s pediatric programs help children with chronic and life-limiting illnesses and their families to live each day to the fullest with comfort, courage, optimism and hope.

This year’s races will feature the opportunity to adopt a V.I.D. (Very Important Duck). V.I.D.s can be adopted at an additional cost, and come with the opportunity to win $1,000.

There are other activities like free carnival games, a DJ, games, limbo, face painting, hair braiding, tattoos and arts and crafts projects.

Donations can be made on JourneyCare’s website.