In 2003, thousands of ducks descended from the heavens onto the Ohio River to compete in the first running of the Ken-Ducky Derby. The annual fundraiser founded by Harbor House of Louisville will celebrate its tenth anniversary in late September of 2013, beginning with the tenth annual Feathers & Friends Kickoff Gala next Thursday from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville.
Attendees will be encouraged to wear feather boas for the gala, which will feature silent and live auctions on various items, a 50/50 raffle, tours of the center named for the legendary boxer, and other activities. Proceeds from the auctions and raffle will benefit the non-profit organization, who provide training, employment opportunities and other services to over 300 adults with developmental and physical disabilities annually.
University of Louisville Director of Community Relations and Career Preparations Larry Slade will be this year's guest speaker at the gala. The former secondary coach for the university’s football program under head coaches Charlie Strong and Steve Kragthorpe, Slade’s new role will help student athletes to be active participants in the community, and in developing the skills required in securing employment after their athletic careers have come to a close.
The gala is sponsored by local water pump manufacturer Zoeller Company, and will be emceed by WLKY reporter and newsreader Ann Bowdan. Tickets are available directly through Harbor House’s website at www.hhlou.org.
The tenth running of the Ken-Ducky Derby will be held at Joe’s Crab Shack at 131 W. River Rd. September 28, 2013 at noon.
Photos: Facebook/Ken-Ducky Derby.
