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Health & Fitness

Second-Annual Leadership Gilroy Ducky Derby is Almost Here

The Leadership Gilroy Duckie Derby on May 21 will be a chance to have fun, win prizes, and help the community, all for less than the price of regular admission to Gilroy Gardens.

Sometimes you can make a difference and have fun at the same time.

First the fun part: The 2nd Annual Leadership Gilroy Ducky Derby will be held at Gilroy Gardens on Saturday, May 21. In this stupendous event, hundreds — possibly THOUSANDS — of specially trained rubber duckies will cascade over Bonfante Falls, across the pond, under the bridge, down the stream, and into the lake. The first duck to cross the finish line will be declared the WINNER! And the sponsor of that winning duck will win the grand prize of a trip for four to Disneyland (or $2,000)! 

That's not the only prize. Other high-ranking ducks will secure electronics, gift certificates, and discounts for their lucky sponsors. ALL of the ducky sponsors will get a ticket for admission to the park on the day of the derby. (It's transferrable, so season ticket holders are welcome to use their ticket to bring a friend. If you prefer, you can donate your free admissions ticket to one of the kids at Rebekah's Children's Services.)

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Ducky Derby will be followed by a Celebrity Paddle Boat race in the Gilroy Gardens iconic duck and swan paddle boats. Local celebrities slated to participate include Garlic Queen Tiffani Peterson,  veterinarian Greg Martinez, Chamber of Commerce president Susan Valenta, Gilroy Prep principal James Dent, Gavilan College President Steve Kinsella, and the St. Josephs Executive Director David Cox. Cheer on your favorite celebrity, and try to win more prizes by picking the winner!

The cost for this incredible day is only $30 — $20 of which is a direct donation to the nonprofit Leadership Gilroy. Leadership Gilroy provides an acclaimed program of leadership development for our community — preparing volunteers to serve on city boards and commissions, on the boards of charitable organizations, and leadership roles in the institutions that make a strong community. (This year's Leadership Gilroy class is organizing a highly anticipated farmer's market at the site of last year's class project — the Demonstration Garden.)

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So it's $30 to build your community, have fun, and (if you're lucky!) win the grand prize? For LESS than the regular cost of front gate admission to Gilroy Gardens? What a deal!

But wait, there's more! ;)

Part of your sponsorship—$10—can be applied to season membership or a Lotsa card at the park. You do not have to be present to win.

You do need to get your tickets in advance, and you can do this ONLINE or  by contacting any member of the board for Leadership Gilroy, or at one of the generous businesses and organizations listed on the website. For details, or to get your tickets online, go to www.leadershipgilroy.org.

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