Adopt a Duck, Support Healthy Kids

Over 1,000 people filled Patriot’s Park last year for what has become one of our community's most jubilant spring events. 

The YMCA Healthy Kids Day, paired with the Rotary Duck Derby, raises money for these two essential local organizations. And 100 percent of the proceeds from the day goes right back into the community. 

__

Healthy Kids

The wonderful YMCA Healthy Kids Day is on Saturday April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with duck races starting at noon.

On the Y front, the event offers everything from inflatable slides to dancing and demos, booths and goodies, all promoting healthy lifestyles and play.

The Y has much to celebrate – and much to support.

Just in time for the new school year beginning in the fall, they opened the Y Early Learning Center at Tappan Hill, a space where kids are thriving indoors and out (and without such a congested parking problem).

“Here we are able to engage and excite children on a daily basis in our preschool, daycare, and after school care classrooms, library and large play areas both indoor and out that are colorful, airy and filled with loving caregivers: both lights themselves,” says a letter that came to the community from Michael Goldrick, Chief Volunteer Officer, and Gerry Riera, Chief Executive Officer.

There’s also a Y Theatre Arts Studio offering classes for all ages in the new facility. And with rooms vacated at the Main Street branch, the Y Dance Studios were able to expand. 

The Y cared for over 600 area children in after school programs here and in surrounding villages. Eighty percent of these kids receive financial aid.

Lastly, a fact many may not know: the Y houses and provides case management and support for disadvantaged men in its upstairs rooms.

“The Y is the unparalleled cause for strengthening the community because we are the community,” the letter says. “We are a powerful associations of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.”

To donate to the Y and their Strong Kids Campaign online click here. To rent a table at Healthy Kids Day, perform live music on the stage, or make a donation, 
you may also contact Susan Barak, susanb@ymcatarrytown.org. A $10 bracelet purchased that day gives kids access to all the rides.

__

Lucky Ducks

If you haven’t seen the Rotary Ducks (the two human-size ones, that is) around the villages in recent weeks, you still have a chance.

The two mascot ducks, out promoting the Duck Derby and offering up adopted ducks at a 10 percent discount, recently got a car loan at Mahopac Bank and served up drinks at J.P. Doyle's. Next stop: they will be at Sam’s Club in Elmsford on Sunday April 14th at 11 a.m. 

You can't win the race if you don't have a duck! You can adopt online here, you can print out this form and mail checks to Mimi Godwin (address in the PDF). Or you can contact Godwin at (914) 631-0675.

Ducks are cheaper by the dozen! That's $10 for one duck • $50 for a Six-Quack • $100 for a Tub-O-Ducks (13). Ducks will also be sold at the park that day, though you don't need to be there to win.

Where does your money go?

"We are proud to support several dozen local organizations," Rotary President Dave Cartenuto said. " As well as provide scholarships to students who want to further their academic studies. And then there is our support to international groups who work to better peoples lives in other continents."

Prizes for race winners are generous as always:

• First prize - $1,500 Cash
• Second Prize - Overnight Stay for Two at DoubleTree Hotel Tarrytown with breakfast
• Third Prize - $300 Gift Certificate, Baby Chic Store Tarrytown

Like us on Facebook  |  Follow us on Twitter  |  Sign up for our newsletter