By: Bladen Online team members
Lumber River United Way (LRUW), a nonprofit serving Bladen County, had two new announcements this winter. Tate Johnson, Executive Director of LRUW, announced the new board President, Dr. Cathy Gantz, and the excitement over the upcoming Lucky Duck Derby.
Dr. Gantz is a Bladen County resident and the wife of Mr. Jim Gantz. She is the Principal of Thomas Academy and enjoys serving her district as a civic volunteer.
Civic volunteers fill critical roles in their local areas. “Lumber River United Way brings together people and resources to tackle complex issues and drive sustainable positive change. We unite individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and government partners to fight for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of each and every person in every corner of Bladen, Hoke, and Robeson Counties.”
Johnson, with LRUW, explained, “United Way trades out presidents yearly, and Dr. Gantz stepped up and volunteered. I think that’s what’s best for the community.”
Dr. Gantz has been busy in her new role promoting the new LRUW fundraiser, the Lucky Duck Derby. This event is a nonprofit fundraiser for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Each duck purchased helps the Imagination Library donate one book to a child every month for a year for one payment of $20.
The Lucky Duck Derby is this Saturday, March 4, beginning at 10:15 am. There is still time to enter the Derby. The grand prize is $2,500!
According to Johnson, one duck costs $20, and six ducks are $100. You may purchase ducks for this nonprofit fundraiser online, by contacting Mr. Tate and Dr. Gantz, or at the Derby before the race.
Dr. Gantz says, “This is the first ever Lucky Duck Derby, and we plan on having it annually in coordination with the Rumba on the Lumber event.” Everyone is invited. Dr. Gantz said, “We are all very excited for Saturday and we’re hoping for a huge turnout.”
Rumba on the Lumber is a popular annual event in downtown Lumberton with a food truck round-up, a 5K, craft and food vendors, and other festivities. Remember, the Derby starts at 10:15 am and will be in conjunction with the Rumba on the Lumber at 301 N. Water Street on the Riverwalk in Lumberton, NC.
This fundraiser expands book donations through the Imagination Library in Hoke, Robeson, and Bladen counties. LRUW has already distributed 40,545 books to local children.
The Lumber River United Way office phone number is (910) 739-4249. Find out more at:
https://www.lumberriveruw.org/get-involved/lucky-duck-derby
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