A Nov. 3 fundraiser is designed to help the Columbia Fire Department match a grant and help provide needed equipment.
The Zellco Federal Credit Union Duck Drop is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Pearl River Interpretive Plaza, and tickets are $5.
“We’re trying to raise $2,750 because the city is going to match what we raise and the fire department has already received a $1,000 grant,” Zellco’s Tammy Riley said. “We needed $5,500 for the equipment, they got a $1,000 grant, so we need $4,500 and $2,750 is half of that.”
Fire Chief Jeff McKenzie said he plans to purchase an airbag system that could be lifesaving.
“It is used for extrication purposes and used to stabilize vehicles when we are trying to free victims,” he said. “We have a lot of accident calls, especially on U.S. 98 and around the city. These will be very valuable. It’s a great tool to have.”
Riley said many businesses and individuals have already stepped up to sponsor the event or purchase tickets.
“We’re currently selling the ducks,” she said. “The sales have been going well. We’re getting a lot of support from local businesses. Everyone I’ve asked has done something, from $10 to $200. Zellco did this to give back and all of these other businesses are helping.”
The event will feature several races down the scale model of the Pearl River at the Interpretive Plaza.
“We have more than 300 ducks, so we’ll drop about 50 at a time,” Riley said. “We’ll take the top three or four from each race and have a big race to determine the winner.”
The grand prize for the event is an ice chest full of camping gear, games, and other items needed for camping. The total value is more than $300.
Riley said tickets will be available at Zellco and through various individuals. They will also be available downtown during the trunk-or-treat on Oct. 30. Riley said already more than 30 businesses have contributed.
“We just want to thank everyone who is helping, from the businesses to the individuals who are purchasing ducks for the race,” she concluded.
Pictured Above: Fire Chief Jeff McKenzie and Tammy Riley of Zellco Federal Credit Union hold some of the ducks for the race. | Photo by Mark Rogers
