This year, the ninth annual Duck Derby event will be held the weekend of May 14-15 in the Cartersville area. Benefiting the Advocates for Children non-profit organization in North Georgia, it will include a Friday evening concert, and Saturday Duck Dash 5K road race, family festival and classic car show, as well as the derby event itself at the Etowah River near Lake Allatoona, with 20,000 little yellow participants expected.

This event supports an organization whose mission is near and dear to my heart: foster children and their families. We have worked with the Advocates for Children to collect toys for the holidays, as well as toothpaste and brushes, and Sandra as the community service chair for Etowah Valley Quilt Guild delivered dozens of handmade quilts to the Flowering Branch Children’s Center in Cartersville. Another of our family-driven efforts was my son’s Eagle Scout project to provide underwear and socks for all foster children in Bartow County. The “Drop Your Drawers” program with Cartersville radio station WBHF was supported by his Boy Scout Troop #157, and in addition to the success of the clothing drive itself, WBHF was recognized as the Community Radio Station of the Year for its participation.

In their Duck Derby fundraiser, “every duck makes a difference in kids’ lives.” Every one of us can make a difference in our community and in the lives of the children who grow up here. My family has donated to this fundraiser every year, and I encourage you to get in on these fun events that connect our community while supporting Advocates for Children.