Genesee Students Race Ducks and Raise Money for United Way

BATAVIA, NY (03/09/2012)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College students in the Business Forum Club made a big splash for a local charity. Thursday's fourth annual Ducky Derby raised $2,523 for the United Way – $293 more than collected last year, and the most money ever for the event.

Students sold 1,080 numbered rubber ducks, which were then set free in the Olympic-sized pool at the Batavia Campus. With the help of a 'current' created by members of the College's Swim Team, the first duck that made it to the end of the pool won the race to the hooting, hollering and cheers of a captive fan base of staff, students and faculty.

The winner of this year's race was a duck purchased by student Taylor Schmieder who won $504.60. The remainder of the money, $2,018.40, will benefit the Genesee County United Way, which is also higher than last year's donation of $1,561.

Volunteer GCC Business Forum Club students Samantha Callisher and Amanda Scherer served as project managers for the 2012 derby.

The Business Forum students would like to thank the entire college community for its support, and recognize the following people for their donations to help make this year's Ducky Derby a success: Becky Dziekan and the swimmers; Ben Eddy, Abby Rocque, Jack West, Adrian Rosellon, Emmeline Vacanti and Leif Adams; Professors Barb Shine and Lauren Paisley; Dean of Students Jen Newell and the AEG Cheerleaders; and Secretary Cheryl Young. Special thanks to our door prize sponsors: 3845 Main St. Mini Mart; Castilone Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge; the GCC CEO Club; L. B. Grand, LeRoy; McDonald's, LeRoy; JC Penney, Batavia; Salsa and Curry Restaurant; Scooter's Restaurant, Batavia; South Side Deli; Steve's Styles, Batavia; Tim Horton's; and Tops Markets, LeRoy and Attica.

For further information please contact Rick Dudkowski, Business Faculty member, at 585-343-0055 x6390 or at mrdudkowski@genesee.edu.

Editors Note: Photo: GCC student Jack West picks out the winning duck at the fourth annual Ducky Derby to benefit Genesee County United Way. Students at the college raised a record $2,523 this year. http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/ducky_derby_2012.jpg

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