On Sept. 2, Ormond Beach Elks Lodge #2193 held its first duck drop fundraiser. The lodge invited community members to participate in its Labor Day weekend festivities, including food and food trucks, music, games, raffles, an auction, a cake walk, cornhole, face painting by Girl Scout Troop 825, and more. The Elks Drug Awareness trailer was used and Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services therapist Althea Montgomery, OT. The main event was the dropping of more than 1,100 rubber ducks onto the lodge parking lot from a helicopter supplied by Tomlinson Aviation and member Neal Tomlinson and piloted by member Joe Horton. Prizes were awarded to those whose ducks landed closest to the target. Debbie and Mickey Symington were the first place winners, who donated part of their $500 prize to the lodge. The second place prize was a helicopter tour package for three, and the third place prize was $250. The event raised more than $5,500 to support lodge and Elks charitable programs, including the Harry-Anna Trust Fund, Elks National Foundation, the lodge scholarship program, the drug awareness program, holiday gift and food baskets, and the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.
Pictured is the helicopter dropping rubber ducks.