They’re rubber, yellow, fit in the palm on your hand, and have been helping a local non-profit raise funds for its programs.

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC) has been busy selling sponsorships for its Amazing Rubber Duck Race, enticing folks with the lure of an “edge of your seat” racing competition on Saturday, July 12, starting at 2:15 p.m. (right after the farmers’ market).

By sponsoring a duck, the purchaser receives a number, which is then placed on a rubber duck.  LIFRC staff will place all of the rubber ducks (they are hoping for hundreds or thousands) in a cement truck, add water, mix the ducks around, and shoot them out of the cement mixer into a creek in front of the resource center. The ducks will then “race” downstream toward a finish line.  The first five ducks and the last five ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes.

Prizes include a brand new iPod, gift certificates to the Duck Soup Inn restaurant on San Juan Island, a special duck dinner for four at the Bay Cafe, two adult and two children tickets for the Ride the Ducks tour in Seattle, a beautiful duck (or chicken) house on wheels named Duckingham Palace, and more.

Kiki Martin, a board member of the LIFRC, brought this idea to the island. “This is something I watched when we were in Idaho, and it was so hilarious, I thought this was the perfect thing for Lopez. It’s a family event, and entertaining for everyone. Ducks are just automatically funny anyway.”

Sponsorship is $5 for each duck or $25 for a six-quack (six ducks). For those interested in contributing more, consider sponsoring the duck race for $100, $250, $500, or any other increment over $100. The money raised will go to summer camp scholarships, food assistance for families, and the teen outreach program. You can also help by donating prizes, selling ducks, and hanging a sign in your business about the race.

“The whole board for the resource center has really been involved with this. It’s a great example of a board working together to create a successful fundraiser. And the staff too – they’ve been incredible,” said Martin.

To sponsor a duck, head over to the Lopez Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 5 and July 12, Lopez Village Market on July 3 and July 11 in the afternoon, the salmon barbecue on July 4, or any time the Lopez Family Resource Center is open.

For additional information, call Kiki Martin at 468-4320.