Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race

Celebrating UCPA of Hawai`i’s 65th anniversary

`A`ohe hana nui ke alu `ia — No task is too big when done together by all.

A rubber duckie race sounds so … frivolous … on the surface. But considering all the good accomplished and the people helped by the funds raised, it’s really quite an ingenious event.

This summer marks 65 years that United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) of Hawai`i has been serving children and adults statewide.

Established in 1959 on the grounds of Iolani Palace by then-Governor William Quinn of the Territory of Hawai`i, UCPA has served as the voice and advocate for children and adults statewide with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and developmental delays through a network of dedicated staff, professionals, volunteers and donors. UCPA of Hawai`i annually serves 300 to 350 people statewide.

Like all non-profit organizations, UCPA receives financial and community support through fundraisers. In Hawai`i, the Great Rubber Duckie Race Events are signature annual fundraisers. Established in 1989 by the organization’s then-Executive Director Ms. Donna Fouts, the events are held in September on O`ahu and July on Hawai`i Island at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Fouts got the idea for the event from national news coverage of a rubber duck race charity fundraiser in Alberta, Canada, in 1989 and decided to replicate it in O`ahu. She borrowed the ducks from the Canadian organization and the Hawai`i event was a hit, selling out the 5,000 borrowed ducks.

The main volunteer organization for the race was the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees. Five years later, in 1994, the Jaycees decided to host a duck race in Hilo on Hawai`i Island, racing the same ducks. Although successful, Donna and the Jaycees wanted to go bigger. They approached the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort to host the event as part of their grand 4th of July festival and promotion. The event was a huge success, attracting locals from around the island in addition to resort guests.

Now, some 30 years later, on July 4 the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race will feature 10,000 bright yellow duckies that will bobble, waddle and drift toward the finish line Lakeside at the Kings’ Shops. Over $20,000 in prizes are generously donated by many Big Island businesses and distributed to the Top 50 Duck Racers. Resort stays, rounds of golf, boat cruises, dolphin experiences, gift baskets, shopping and dining certificates are among the prizes. Hundreds of people attend the race and its daylong festivities include games, eating contests and an awards ceremony.

The Great Rubber Duckie Race is one of Kings’ Shops most successful charitable events.

“UCPA raises between $35,000 to $40,000 annually at the event that help fund our programs and services,” says John Nishida, UCPA of Hawai`i’s executive director. “After so many years, even the t-shirts created celebrating each year’s race have become collector’s items.” He adds, “We continue our commitment to the legacy of our founding fathers over 65 years ago, by providing support, advocacy, fund raising and networking with government and other nonprofit agencies to enhance the quality of life for the consumers we serve. We thank the Kings’ Shops for their continued support, the Waikoloa Beach Resort community for their generosity and the people of the Island of Hawai`i. Thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their continued service and work within the Hawaii community.”

Duckies can be adopted online in advance (strongly encouraged) for $5 each or in a Quack Pack of five duck-adoption certificates and a free Duckie T-shirt at https://4pst.us/Jge. Go to KingsShops.com/events for more event details.