Rubber Duckies to Take to the Water for Autism

The Shorewood Kiwanis are teaming up with the Henry Ford Health System’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities to hold a rubber duck race fundraiser May 18 at the Chapaton Retention Basin.

Shorewood teamed up with Henry Ford to assist families with autistic children who receive applied behavioural analysis therapy through the race. According to organizers, the the costs for treatment through therapy can exceed $50,000 annually.

"We know this is going to be a drop in the bucket," said Tom Ulrich, Kiwanis member and one of the organizers. "But next year it is going to be two drops."

The event begins at 11 a.m. May 18 with food vendors, face painting and games for children. Participants can buy a duck for $5 each, or six ducks for $25, at before the event on-line by paying with PayPal at  www.shorewoodkiwanis.org or at the Henry Ford Medical Center on Jefferson.

At 12:30 p.m. the ducks will hit the water  in the basin and the first three ducks to cross the finish line will receive a prize. The race will be held rain or shine, and unfortunately donors can't keep the ducks. Organizers say they will start training the ducks for next year.

For more information email: SECRETARY@SHOREWOODKIWANIS.ORG or RUBBERDUCKY@HFHS.ORG.