#AdvocacyMatters: From The Starting Line

September 8, 2023 / #AdvocacyMatters

In just a few days, hundreds of rubber ducks will be turned loose on the mighty Muskingum River near Marietta, bobbing their way down to the Ohio River. While the colorful ducks floating on the water and the DRO staff members chasing them in boats (with the help of the Marietta High School “Tiger Navy” Crew Team) create quite the scene, the whole operation means much more than just a bit of entertainment. Each of those ducks represent a supporter who believes in the work we do and wants to see that work grow. $5 spent to sponsor a duck in this race might seem small, but when you see that "float" of ducks coming down the river, it becomes quite clear how much support we have.

Our 3rd annual DRO Duck Derby presented by OPOC.us kicks off in just a few days, and there’s still time to join in the fun. Your support– through sponsoring ducks, buying event merchandise, and helping spread the word about this event – makes a real difference in the work we do all across the state. Most of our funding comes from a series of federal grants, each one providing for a specific type or area of work. Only through the generous support of foundations, allied organizations, and individuals can we expand the scope and scale of our work to better meet the needs of people with disabilities across Ohio.

Here's what you can do to help:

• Sponsor ducks for $5 each, giving yourself a chance to win the $500 top prize.
• Order event merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. All the proceeds from merchandise sales come right back to our mission!
• Share the event with your family, friends, and networks.

You can get all the event details – as well as sponsor your ducks and order event merchandise – at disabilityrightsohio.org/duck-derby. Plan to tune into our Facebook livestream next Wednesday at 4:30 to catch all the action! #AdvocacyMatters