United Way Crisis—Ducks Fly the Coop Again
Lightning never strikes twice, and no one could have predicted that for the second year in a row, grave trouble would befall the United Way of Cape May County as they prepare for the annual Rubber Ducky Regatta. Against the odds, five duckies have again flown the coop.
It all began at the Beach Blast in Wildwood last weekend, where United Way volunteers were kicking-off summer with the organization's celebrity rubber ducks. They all enjoyed a sun-soaked day, rooting for their favorite soccer teams, that is until United Way Chairman John Lynch did a quick beak count and realized five ducks were missing.
"I thought I was quack…, er, I mean, cracking up," Lynch said. "I just couldn't believe that they had flown the coop again.
The ducks are in the midst of a rigorous training program for the Rubber Ducky Regatta on Aug. 10, when they will compete for hundreds of prizes on behalf their sponsors. Lynch said the ducks are very disciplined, but occasionally they like to spread their wings.
"We take training very seriously," Lynch said, "but we know it's important for the duckies to get some "R and R". That's why we like to take them out for field trips in the community."
Last year, a few rogue ducks took their taste of freedom too far and flew the coop to take a Cape May County vacation, while hiding out in area businesses.
"I never dreamed they would do that again," Lynch said, but last Saturday, Wildwood fire and rescue personnel were called to the scene of the crime to investigate and to treat Lynch, who was in shock and beside himself with worry.
"Those dastardly ducks—we need to find them before race day," he said.
The county prosecutor is investigating, and clues are being released in the hope that the general public can help find the duckies.
*** United Way Press Release ***
Wildwood Fire and Rescue (Ernie Troiano III, Capt. Mike Neill, Jim Grauel and Charles Cripps) were first at the scene on Wildwood's beach, where five United Way Rubber Duckies "flew the coop" last Saturday. GWTIDA's Beverly Trapp, and United Way Chairman, John Lynch and Executive Director, Suzanne Nardi, were devastated to learn of the disappearing ducks.
Appearing in the Wildwood Leader, July 9, 2008
Please help me find my friends....
Five duck-shaped chalk marks, a note and a suspicious photo of one of the duckies were found at the scene of the crime. If you think you know the whereabouts of a duck, submit your tips to flewthecoop@uwcmc.org by Friday 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 first clue:
Dear John,
It gets hot on the beach for a duck in a raincoat, so I headed for a place where it's cool at the pool. I hear a green creek runs nearby, so me and my new friends, Tikiman and Captain Coconut, might grab one of the cool floats around here and go for a cruise later. That should be good practice for the Regatta, don't you think?
But for now, it's all about creating a cool tropical vibe. They have everything for a great party…if only they would fill these party glasses with daiquiri's.
Find me if you can,
