Big Brothers Big Sisters
Daffy Derby and Duck N’ Run Winners Announced 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County held their annual Daffy Duck Derby and 5K on Thursday, June 20rd, starting at 7:30 p.m. in Tawawa Park in Sidney.  

Over 2,997 rubber ducks, which were “adopted” by community members and local corporate sponsors, were launched out of a box which was extended over the creek with the aid of a Ferguson Construction crane.  The wonderful sponsors for this event included Sidney Daily News, Hits 105.5, Kroger’s, Meyer’s Garage, Sidney Body Carstar, Trupointe Cooperative, Koenig Equipment Inc., Dave Russell, CPA, LLC, Alvetro Orthodontics, Culvers, Freshway Foods, The Anderson Ethanol LLC, Hemmelgarn Services, Inc., Versailles Savings & Loan, KTH Parts Industries, Reliable Business Solutions, Inc., MJS Plastics Inc., Johnston Chiropractic Clinic, Inc., Sidney Foodtown, Tooling Technology, LLC, Tipp City, Upper Cervical Health Center, McCrate DeLaet & Co, Wendey’s, Piazza Hut, Beechwood Golf Course, J. Robert Schweitzer Insurance, Hansbarger, City Carry Out, Out West Drive Thru, Ron & Nita’s, 47 Bar and Grill, Jt’s, New Port Aquarium, Kitchenaid Experience, Marco’s Pizza, Cincinnati Reds, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Columbus Crew, COSI, Francis Schulze Co., Beau Townsend Ford, GZK, Inc, The Westin Cincinnati, Sidney Inn & Conference Center, Angie Wagner Photography, Keller Grain & Feed, Inc., Gillespie Construction, Best One Tire, Inn Between, Hot Rods & Harley’s. 

Overall 11 prizes were awarded for the Duck Derby.  The grand prize winner for the duck race was Stacy McClain ­­­of Sidney.  Stacy won a $1,000 shopping spree. 

Other prize winners include Janice Benanzer of Sidney who won 2 3-Day Passes to Country Concert compliments of Meyer Garage & Drive Thru and 1 Free Pizza compliments of Keyhole Pizza. Loretta Kinney, of Sidney, who took home 2 single day park passes compliments of Kings Island and $100.00 spending cash compliments of Bob Schweitzer Insurance, but then donated it back to a Big & Little to use. Theresa Dawson, of Sidney won a Sports enthusiast pack including 2 rounds of 18 holes of golf compliments of Beechwood Golf Course, $20 Gift certificate to Red Lobster, and 4 tickets to a Dayton Dragons game. Chris Meyer of Sidney will enjoy the Family Fun Package! 2 Tickets to Cosi, $70.00 gift certificates compliments of Picture Perfect Studio, and a basket full of family fun games compliments of Brethren’s Home! Kurt Marshall, of Versailles won the All Around Town Package, $50.00 Gift Certificate to Ron and Nita’s,Pizza Certificate to Cassano’s, gift certificate to Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and an Overnight stay at The Sidney Inn.; and Connie McClain of Sidney won the Amped up Package! This includes a Complete Vehicle detailing compliments of Just Detailing, $60.00 Certificate for Fuel compliments of Northtowne Sunoco, Inc.  A $100 Wal-Mart Gift Card, was won by William Berlier of Cincinnati, while an Overnight stay in the Presidential Room compliments of the Inn at Versailles & Gift Certificate to Michael Anthony’s goes to Janet Born of Sidney. Dana Dugan of Greenville was the lucky winner of a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Fairlawn Steakhouse & $50.00 and Theresa Harmon of Yorkshire won the Lia Sophia Jewelry compliments of Pam Berning & a set of earrings compliments of Wieland Jeweler.  

The Seventh Annual 5K run/walk had 468 registered participants.  Top male finishers were Joe Fuller of Sidney at 16:58:4, Chris Musser of Sidney at 17:24:4, and Aaron Fraley of Sidney with a time of 17:32:5.  Top female winners were Caroline Heitmeyer finishing first with a time of 19:59: Lois Spitzer of Versailles at 20:35:4 and rounding the top three is Chrystal Barton of Sidney with a time of 21:34:1. 

Proceeds from the event will benefit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency which matches at-risk children with volunteer adult role models.  These volunteers who are screened thoroughly by agency staff meet with children at least two times per month offering guidance, support, and positive role-modeling.  The concept of services by Big Brothers Big Sisters is to get community members to open up their lives to a young child within their own community.  It does not take a great deal of time, money, or talent; the volunteers just need to care about children. 

Executive Director, Jennifer Bruns stated “We are so fortunate to have such wonderful support from local businesses as well as individuals. Seeing all the ducks that were sold and all the runners makes me proud to be a part of such a wonderful community in Shelby & Darke County” 

Community members who feel they don’t want to make a commitment of volunteering can help the agency in other ways.  The agency is always looking for cost saving ideas for activities that our volunteers can do with their matched Littles.  In the past years, companies and individuals have donated tickets to local events, sporting events, or hosted a special outing for the Big Brothers Big Sisters group. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit United Way member agency.  For more information on how you can become a volunteer and make a difference in a child’s life contact the local agency at 937-492-7611, 937-547-9622, or log onto our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org.