CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Along Chicago's Magnificent Mile Wednesday, thousands of people lined the Chicago River for a fundraising event that everyone agrees was just ducky: the annual Chicago Ducky Derby.
The derby involves the dumping of 100,000 rubber ducks into the Chicago River, where they race to the shore — with some help from the Chicago firefighters who push the ducks along.
The Chicago Ducky Derby raises money for Special Olympics Illinois athletes, said Michelle Mayer.
“The duck race is funded by duck adoptions that people do all throughout the summer,” Mayer said. “Those funds that are raised go to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes across the state, so those are individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
Sophie traveled all the way from Montreal for the event.
“It's super exciting to support a great cause,” she said. “Plus, we were able to convince a bunch of our friends and family to pitch in and buy a bunch of ducks, as well.”
Sophie said she, family, and friends adopted more than 100 ducks in hopes of winning the race and this year's first prize: a Chevy Trax, which was valued at about $24,000.
Mayer said the Special Olympics Illinois and Chicago Ducky Derby are both fun, joyous events that “brings together the community.”