Thousands of Rubber Ducks Dropped Into Chicago River for Fundraiser

The Rubber Ducky Derby in Chicago, Illinois, saw around 70,000 rubber ducks dropped into the river, footage posted on August 5 shows. The Chicago Sun-Times said the race raised around $310,340 for Special Olympics Illinois, and Chicago Red Stars soccer player Morgan Gautrat served as the Celebrity Duck Ambassador. Participants could “adopt” a duck contestant for $5, who would then bob toward the finish line. The first place ducky won a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer for its sponsor; other prizes included an all-inclusive trip to Mexico and $2,000. The footage, posted to Twitter by Michael Piff, shows the moment the contestants were dunked into the water. Credit: Michael Piff via Storyful