#AdvocacyMatters: A Successful Day on the Water

September 26, 2025 / #AdvocacyMatters

After an overcast afternoon with a couple of rain showers, the clouds parted and the sun shined down at just the right time to light the yellow, pink, and blue ducks bobbing up and down on the Muskingum River in Marietta. Over the course of about 15 minutes, the float of ducks made their way down the river towards the finish line. Flanked by boats from the Marietta High School "Tiger Navy" crew team to prevent any wayward waddling, three winners were crowned at the finish line and each and every duck was scooped from the water.

The Disability Rights Ohio Duck Derby - now in its fifth year - featured 439 participating ducks. Each duck represented more than just a chance at prizes, with each also standing for a small investment in our work, our vision, and our outcomes. The proceeds from every duck sponsorship go right back into the work our team does all across Ohio.

The impact of this year's event was magnified by several supporting sponsors. Hall Financial Advisors, OPOC.us, PNC Bank, RedHelm, and Schneider Downs all generously donated to make our derby even more successful.

We sincerely appreciate each and every one of you who sponsored ducks, shared our posts on social media, and watched the livestream of this year's race. Congratulations to winners Austin C, Walter A, and Becca C.

Your support is essential for us to continue to expand our reach and grow our work throughout Ohio. Working together, it's clear that #AdvocacyMatters.