The Rubber Ducky Race will be changing hands in 2015. After hosting this beloved community event for more than a quarter of a century, Yampa Valley Medical Center has agreed to transition the popular fundraiser to the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association.

YVMC Auxiliary volunteers organized the first Rubber Ducky Race in 1988 and went on to host the event until 2012, when the group retired from the event.  These volunteers, community sponsors and residents made it a success, helping raise funds for YVMC programs, including the Special Care Nursery and Cancer Care. The last Rubber Ducky Race was held in 2013 and was organized by YVMC staff.  The hospital decided to take a break from the event last year to focus on new fundraisers and projects.

“Passing this event on to the VNA was a natural choice,” said YVMC CEO Frank May. “We are pleased its legacy will continue for the benefit of the health of residents in Northwest Colorado.”

The Northwest Colorado VNA is expanding the Rubber Ducky legacy to include an event in Moffat County. Races will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2015 in Craig and Saturday, September 12, 2015 in Steamboat Springs. Ticket information and sponsorship opportunities will be released soon. Proceeds will benefit the VNA’s Hospice and Palliative Care program, which has served Routt and Moffat counties for more than 20 years.

“We’re so excited to be focusing our efforts this year on the Rubber Ducky Race to support Hospice,” said Lisa Brown, CEO of the Northwest Colorado VNA. “We love the fact that everyone has a chance to participate in this event – our staff, volunteers, patients, families and all community members. It really aligns with our mission and will help us continue to provide affordable health care for anyone who needs it in the valley.”