News
September 21, 2016Rubber Duckies to Race Down Mohawk River for Autism
Ducky racers will soon race down the Mohawk River with local families cheering them on, all in support of autism families and more.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara on Monday announced the details of the first-annual Duck Derby for Autism coming to Schenectady County this fall, with proceeds benefiting the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region’s work to empower all those living with autism to be actively engaged members of the community.
Assemblyman Santabarbara was joined by Janine Kruiswijk, executive director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, and Ray Legere, co-owner of Legere Restorations, at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In, the planned site of the Duck Derby, for the announcement.
“My son Michael was diagnosed with autism at age 3. He may not speak much, but he’s my best friend,” said Santabarbara, whose son is now 14. “As an autism dad, I know that every day presents new challenges, but we can overcome those challenges together. I’m Michael’s voice in Albany and for all those with developmental disabilities. Here at home, I’m proud to partner with organizations like the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region to take action in calling for the first statewide Autism Action Plan in New York that can help thousands of autism families and now hosting the first-ever Duck Derby for Autism. We hope to make this an annual event meant to not only raise awareness of the challenges autism families face, but also take action once again, this time to raise funds to help those that live with autism become as independent as possible and engage their own community on their own terms. There will be a lot of autism-friendly events happening on the day of the derby, and we expect to have a lot of fun watching the rubber duckies race down the Mohawk River with our local families participating in the fun. I hope to see families, friends and neighbors join us in support of those affected by autism in our community.”
The autism-friendly festival starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. The rubber duckies will splash down from the Western Gateway Bridge in full view from the shore at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In at noon that day and race across the finish line at Freedom Park. The winners of the Duck Derby race will be announced at the festival, which will also feature food, games for the entire family and live music by Flame.
Get your duckies while they last online at www.firstgiving.com/asa-albany/ASGCR-DUCK-DERBY.
“Every ducky sold at this event will help us continue our mission, and that’s to promote lifelong access and opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum so that they can be active participants in their own communities,” said Janine D. Kruiswijk, Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region. “We’ll also be having a great time while raising awareness for the complex challenges our children and adults with autism and their families face, and we’re encouraging the entire community to join us for this unique event. On behalf of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Assemblyman Santabarbara for continuing to advocate for all New Yorkers living with autism and to Legere Restorations and all our event sponsors for making the first-ever Duck Derby possible.”
Ray Legere, co-owner of Legere Restorations, said, “The Duck Derby aims to bring the community together behind a great cause, and Legere Restorations is proud to be a sponsor. This is a chance to support the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region’s work to empower individuals with autism, raise awareness for all those affected by autism and have quite a lot of fun along the way, and I encourage everyone to take part – whether you buy a single ducky, a bundle, a flock or a brood.”
“As the father of a 14-year-old son with autism, I’m proud to partner with the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region to bring our First Annual Duck Derby for Autism to the Schenectady area,” Santabarbara added. “I invite you to join me for this special fundraiser benefiting autism families in our community.”
