Race makes splash for Kiwanis Club

The Glendale Kiwanis Club raised roughly $75,000 at its annual duck splash in Verdugo Park on Saturday, a total that, despite the weak economy, is in line with what the nonprofit has made in the past, organizers said.

This year’s event, which featured hundreds of rubber ducks racing down a makeshift river, brings the club’s seven-year fundraising total to $550,000, all of which goes to local schools and community groups in need, said Secretary Vic Legerton.

“These organizations all have needs for funds,” he said. “It’s an opportunity we find that for schools and youth groups, it’s so much easier than trying to sell candy or do car washes.”

An estimated 1,000 people participated in the races — in which people donate money to “sponsor” a duck — that took place throughout the day. The crowd of onlookers was also larger than in years past thanks to Glendale Police Foundation’s “K-9s in the Park” event taking place at the same time, Legerton added.

Since the dog and duck events worked well together, the two groups may join forces again next year, he said.