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STEUBENVILLE -- The Steubenville Kiwanis Club met May 9 at the Sycamore Youth Center. Those gathered heard from Wellsburg Kiwanis President, Eric Fithyan, who explained how his club recently struggled with its membership and how he found a way to resolve the problem.
Fithyan stated the West Virginia club had dwindled to 15 participants and something needed to be done, quickly. To increase membership, a plan was developed. And it worked.
"We knew we had to sink or swim, and so we decided to swim," he stated. The Wellsburg chapter came up with the concept of holding a fundraiser based on the concept of ducks, since they were planning to swim. Approximately 647 numbered, rubber ducks were thrown into the Ohio River, with participants having the opportunity to win prizes strategically placed on the underside of the yellow toy.
Awards included a $1,000 grand prize, a second-place prize of pizza for a year, a third-place prize of $500 cash, Big Macs for a year being fourth prize and a $100 cash prize for fifth place.
Fithyan told Ohio Kiwanians the duck contest idea worked extremely well and membership increased to 30.
Wellsburg has continued with the duck concept and are planning a Duck Derby, scheduled for 6 p.m. June 11 at the 6th Street Wharf. To date there are more than 60 sponsors.
"You buy a duck, race a duck and give back," Fithyan said. "You adopt a duck for $10 and drop it into the Ohio River where it will be raced with numerous others to the finish line. The first five ducks pulled from the river will receive prizes."
The derby will also consist of various food vendors, on site from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A derby hat contest begins at 5 p.m., with guests being asked to wear their derby best -- including a hat. Participants will parade through the car cruise-in, which runs from 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Three winners will take home prizes for largest hat, most unique hat and best duck-themed hat.
The car cruise-in will consist of antique, classic and muscle cars, along with street rods, according to officials. Participation is free with arrival times set for 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
All funds raised will go to the Kiwanis Club to support local children.
Fithyan noted his club raised about $22,000 from its duck fest and chicken barbecue fundraisers and this money was used to purchase new playground equipment at E.R. Nichols First Ward Park. The installation of a new set of swings and play structure along with a plastic wave slide and climbing features, was set to begin this month.
After the presentation concluded and lunch was served, the Steubenville club traveled to the Rich Ranallo Board Room at the Steubenville board offices where they joined Ranallo in a Zoom session which focused on why "youth protection" matters.
Officials stressed every Kiwanis Club is expected to inform and educate its members on the guidelines pertaining to protecting youth.
It was announced Tuesday's meeting would take place at Beatty Park, where members would do a walk-through, followed by a picnic luncheon.