Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start will hold its 16th Annual Ducky Derby race in downtown Henderson on September 20, 2025. At 10 a.m., there will be a children’s parade, street art, and games.  At 11:00 a.m., a river of rubber ducks will race to raise funds for ongoing services for families with children ages birth to 5 years.

This year’s Ducky Derby Race will be dedicated to our local Child Care Professionals.  When the ducks race down Garnett St, each duck will be representing a hard-working Child Care Professional from one of our 112 child care programs in Franklin, Granville, and Vance counties.

One lucky duck will win $1000, the second-place winner will win Chick-Fil-A for a year, the third place wins a $250 Sheetz Gas Card, and the very last duck wins $100.  

We hope that you will consider being a sponsor for this special event.  Together, we will Foster Wellbeing, Generate Resiliency, and Value Learning!                                                        

Sponsorship levels are:

Super Duck     $1,000

Quacker Backer  $500

Feathered Friend  $250

For information about being a sponsor, call Dr. Linda Frederickson 

at 252-433-9110 ext. 224

In previous years, many of you supported our efforts by purchasing or selling Ducky Derby tickets. However, since this year’s Ducky Derby is being dedicated to our local child care professionals, that option is not available. Instead, you may contribute by using the following link: https://fgvsmartstart-ducky-derby.cheddarup.com.  This platform allows you to make a donation in any amount or become an event sponsor (with a minimum contribution of $250).

If you prefer to contribute by check, please make it payable to:

FGV Smart Start
P.O. Box 142
Henderson, NC 27536