#5 Rubber Duck Launch and More!

We've had a few technical difficulties lately, so this blog is a bit delayed.... Now that I've figured it out, however, we're back in business and I'll be posting two blogs back to back. So stay with us for the continuing saga of (this is Candi's famous quote:) "as the manure piles!" :)

Duck Launch~

July 28 was the big day for the Light Center Rubber Duck Launch. Actually, it ended up more of a rubber duck "float" as all the ducks were dumped into a large plastic pool to the delight of about 30 kids who stirred them up and then helped choose the winners! The “dunk” took place right here at the Light Center barn and was held in conjunction with a private party hosted by Team Reil, the park and playground company owned by Jan's husband John. John generously offered to showcase the Light Center and its raffle for the opportunity to allow his corporate party goers to visit the barn. The partiers loved the chance to learn more about the center and visit the animals, and they bought lots of tickets to show their thanks! (We loved that part!!!)

After the big dunk, all the kids were invited to stir the “duck soup.” If anyone has a thing about making sure raffle numbers are well mixed, have no doubt about this one!! With about 60 arms in the pool, the ducks were definitely well stirred!!! When the stirring was finished, 25 kids lined up shortest to tallest, to pick the 25 lucky winners. The real treat came for all of us when first prize winner Barry Borchart of Landmark Construction, returned his $1000. winnings to the Light Center program, as did 2^nd place Chuck Ruth of Alliance Contractors, and 5^th place party host, John Cederlund. Way ta' go, guys!!!

In total, the “dunk” took in about $7,000. which made all of us in the barn way happy! As for the Hoe Down, staff and volunteers were all invited to party on with Team Reil! With food, music, dancing, lots of beer, and great conversation, you'd think it was a full service party already. But come nightfall, the skies lit up with an absolutely dynamite fireworks display! I do have to admit, I'm adding the dynamite part based on the rave reviews that continue to come in. As for the show, Candi, Shawn, and myself missed it when barn duty called. Two of TLC's horses, Rosie and CeCe, were displaying their utmost discontent with the booming and banging of the fireworks and needed some major TLC of their own. Go figure!! I guess they didn't get the big bang memo!

Anyway, special thanks go out again to everyone who supported the duck launch, all those who helped out all night in the barn, Barry Borchart, Chuck Ruth and John for their generosity, and most of all to Team Reil for letting us be a part of Hoe Down 2007!

PS: One final note~ Thanks also to Grandpa Mike Sawa who bought our mascot mama duck, "Duckweena" for his granddaughter. If you missed it, he was the guy with a cocktail in one hand, Jan's cowboy hat on his head, and a three foot yellow duck under his arm.
...........ok, you couldn't have missed him!!!!

Till next time, take care Light Center fans~ We'll be in touch!
Jan