Blackwater Pyrates raise $14,340 through annual duck race
MILTON — In a bit of a departure from the normal Fourth of July Mill Town Duck Race, the Blackwater Pyrates concluded their annual fundraiser in the Riverfront Park gazebo on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Rather than a front-end loader dropping rubber ducks off the Blackwater River Bridge, three local dignitaries reached into a raffle drum and selected this year’s winners.
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Mayor Heather Lindsay drew the first place winner. $1,500 will go to Roman and Robin Nowak. City Councilman Jeff Snow drew next, and the second place winner is Blackwater Bistro customer Susan Leveille. She will receive $500.
The third local dignitary to assist in the drawing was USC Auxiliary Flotilla 1-7 Commander Jack Remus. The third place prize of $250 goes to Tony Renbarger of Coastal Canvas.
Although abbreviated due to COVID-19, the Blackwater Pyrates were able to adopt out 2,868 ducks, raising $14,340. These funds are used to fulfill the Pyrates’ three core missions of boater safety, river cleanup, and local maritime historical preservation.
Pyrate “Duck Diva” Vickie McKee pronounced this year’s fundraiser a success.
“In spite of all of the obstacles, we managed to raise a good deal of money to support our missions,” McKee said.
“We look forward to next year, when the city will hopefully be able resume its normal festivals and the Duck-Drop will go on as scheduled.”
McKee added, “We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors and all individuals who supported our cause this year.”