4,000 Ducks Race Down Paint Creek in Rochester, All For Wishes

It's events like the one Sunday afternoon at that really showcase what granting wishes is all about.

"We had one little boy go into his piggy bank to buy a duck," said Donetta Behen, a Rochester Hills mom and founder of the Rochester Rubber Ducky Race. "He came up a little short, but we knew it was from him and not his parents, so that meant a lot and brought tears to our eyes because that's what it's all about - it's about the kids."

All of the proceeds from the event, which is in its sixth year, benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Behen founded the event as a way to give back to the community that The first year, the race involved 800 ducks.

This year 4,000 ducks raced down Paint Creek. For the past month, community members have been adopting the numbered ducks. On Sunday, hundreds of families attended the race; the top 12 finishers received prizes.

Here are the winning ducks; to claim your prizes, contact Behen at Behen3gr@aol.com.

1. 1538
2. 1582
3. 3107
4. 3042
5. 1242
6. 1060
7. 261
8. 509
9. 1373
10. 1590
11. 2892
12. 2283

Did you miss the Rochester Rubber Ducky Race? There's another, similar event planned during next week's Heritage Festival at 3 p.m. Sunday. Ducks are $3 each or 2 for $5; proceeds benefit RARA SCAMP, a summer camp for kids with special needs.