For seven years, Catawba College has held a unique fundraiser: the “Duck Draw.” This event involves selling plastic ducks for $1 each to raise money for Thanksgiving meals for families in need. The ducks are then placed in a pool, and winning numbers are drawn, corresponding to prizes donated by local businesses.
Catawba’s Commitment to Community Thanksgiving
Since its inception, the Duck Draw has helped feed over 650 families. This year, the Residence Life staff aims to provide at least 150 families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner. The event fosters a spirit of giving within the college community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to contribute to a meaningful cause during the holiday season. Residence Life Director Sarah Rossini emphasizes the project’s positive impact and the collective effort to support local families.
How the Duck Draw Works
The Duck Draw fundraising process is simple yet effective:
- Donation: Individuals donate $1 to sponsor a plastic duck.
- The Draw: On November 15th, numbered ducks are placed in a pool in front of the Cannon Student Center. Numbers are then drawn randomly.
- Prizes: Each drawn duck’s number corresponds to a ticket purchased by a community member and a donated prize, ranging from haircuts and pizzas to gift certificates.
- Thanksgiving Meals: Proceeds from the Duck Draw, along with funds from other Residence Life initiatives, cover the cost of the Thanksgiving meals.
Providing Complete Thanksgiving Dinners
The meals provided are not just turkeys, but complete dinners including a 10-12 pound turkey, rice, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, stuffing mix, and browning mix. The Residence Life staff collaborates with faculty, staff, local schools, and churches to identify families in need of assistance. This ensures that the donations reach those who would benefit most from a holiday meal.
A Tradition of Giving Back
The Catawba College Duck Draw demonstrates the power of community involvement. By transforming a simple plastic duck into a symbol of giving, the college has established a tradition that provides vital support to local families during Thanksgiving. This annual event highlights the impact of collective generosity and embodies the spirit of the holiday season.
