United Way
of Cape May County

Thanks to a tip from Julie Merson, one of five missing United Way rubber duckies has been found.

The disappearance of the celebrity ducks during the Beach Blast soccer tournament in Wildwood was a blow to the United Way of Cape May County, which is planning its annual Rubber Ducky Regatta on Aug. 10.

“Without the duckies, there is no regatta,” Lynch said.

The popular fundraising event draws ducky fans from near and far to Mariner’s Landing water park one day each year to watch thousands of ducks race around the lazy river. They compete for hundreds of prizes for their sponsors, and the money raised by the event supports United Way’s community programs throughout the year.

One duck in a red raincoat left a photo and a note at the scene of the disappearance, and authorities released the details in the Gazette newspapers in hopes that public could help find them. Merson figured out the duck’s location at Pool Zone, on Route 47 in Green Creek, and she was chosen in a random drawing of correct entries to receive a fun ducky six pack and prizes from local businesses. Merson will also be entered in a grand prize drawing to be held on race day..

Lynch said he is relieved to learn that the duck has been found.

“We gave that naughty ducky a very firm talking to…and he’s been grounded,” Lynch said. You can still visit him at Pool Zone. But Lynch also expressed ongoing concern about the safety of the four ducks that remain missing.

“I worry that these innocent young ducks could fall prey to some sinister seagulls,” he said.

Luckily, investigators have found another note and picture that may lead to the recovery of one of the ducks. Examine the picture and the note carefully to solve the mystery of this duck’s location. If you think you know the whereabouts of a duck, submit your tips to flewthecoop@uwcmc.org by Friday, July 18 at midnight. Be sure to include your name, phone number and your guess as to the duck’s hideout. Be specific. Those who provide information that leads to the discovery of the duck will be entered into a random drawing for valuable prizes and gift certificates from local businesses, plus a special ducky six pack.

Here’s the clue:

Dude,

I’m stoked to trade in the lazy river for the wild waves. Here in Rio Grande, surf’s up! They’ve got everything I need in this cool spot to become the surfer I am meant to be.

It’s tough to find the new shades and flipflops to fit a beak and webbed feet, but there’s plenty to try. Plus, hot surfwear helps me hide the fact that I am really a grom.

Plus, there are boards galore, and I’m waxing up mine.

As you can see from the picture, they even have clutch wheels just right for a duck like me to drive—a Woody, of course.

Find me if you can.

Ducky # 2

Surfer Duck

Filed under: Flew The Coop, Press Releases, Rubber Ducky Regatta

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