JERSEY: JCH Foundation holds successful Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
By Carissa Sitki
Submitted photo
The JCH Foundation held a Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby at Raging Rivers WaterPark in Grafton last Thursday. An estimated 400 people attended and there were 1,300 ducks in the race.
The JCH Foundation held a Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby at Raging Rivers WaterPark in Grafton on Thursday evening, Sept. 8, to raise funds for a new ambulance and celebrate 30 years of JCH ambulance service.
The event took place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the Lucky Duck Derby Race beginning at 7 p.m. According to event organizers, the evening was a massive success, attracting an estimated 400 attendees as well as 1,300 ducks in the race.
“We are thrilled with the turn out for this first year event. An event of this size couldn’t happen without the help of many dedicated volunteers, a great planning committee and our community sponsors, who responded with very generous gifts,” said Charity Roth, JCH Foundation Director. “We are so thankful for everyone who gave monetarily or with their time and energy to make this event a success.”
Live music was provided by The Glendale Riders and there were numerous activities for kids provided by: Jerseyville Arts Council, Got Faith, CNB Bank & Trust and 1st Mid America Credit Union. There was a basket raffle, child fingerprint station courtesy of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office, Safety Pup and Quacky the Duck did meet greets, and there were many other free activities.
There were over 50 volunteers who assisted with the event and both the Grafton and Jerseyville mayors were in attendance.
JCH Health Care CEO Beth A. King expressed her gratitude to the community for supporting the event.
“I could not have been more pleased with the community support shown for Jersey Community Hospital and our Ambulance Services at our Duck Derby. It was a great event at a family friendly venue celebrating our 30 years of providing ambulance services to the communities we serve,” she said. “I believe it is so important to provide these lifesaving services locally and support our local hospital. Thank you to all who supported us and I look forward to next year!”
The event’s attendees seemed just as pleased with the event.
“Totally loved it, everyone in my group is planning on coming again. Very well organized. Great food and drinks. Can’t say enough good,” said Joy Malloy, event attendee.
Proceeds from the event will be put towards the funding of a new ambulance and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the JCH Ambulance Service. The cost of the new ambulance is $390,000 and the JCH Foundation’s pledge is $150,000. The duck race event brought in $42,000.
In 1992, Sonny Renken, EMT-P, and Alvina Isringhausen, RN formed the JCH Ambulance Service, after the closing of Trask Ambulance. In addition to the Ambulance Service, Sonny and Alvina also built the JCH EMS System, which acts as the resource system for multiple ambulance services, fire/rescue departments, and Survival Flight Helicopter Service.
The JCH plays a vital role in sustaining Jersey Community Hospital’s mission, through its charitable gifts and community ties.
Foundation Mission Statement: The JCH Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to assist Jersey Community Hospital in meeting the healthcare needs of your community through fundraising, education, and community outreach.
To donate to the JCH Foundation, text GIVE to 618-376-7544.
Submitted photo
Safety Pup and his pal, Quacky the Duck, attended last Thursday’s Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby.
Submitted photo
Little Miss Jersey County Tessa Huelskoetter gets her fingerprints taken by Sheriff Mike Ringhausen at the fingerprint station at the Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby, last Thursday.
Submitted photo
Nick Manns takes a moment for a snapshot with “one of the best paramedics he’s ever had the pleasure of working with” during the Race for the Rescue Lucky Duck Derby last Thursday. Manns expressed his gratitude for Jersey Community Hospital and his amazement with all of the volunteers that came together to make the event a huge success.
