For this edition of Almabase spotlights, we feature the Pearl River Community College's PRCC Duck Derby, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser fostering meaningful engagement with alums, donors, parents, and friends.

PRCC Duck Derby

Pearl River Community College's Duck Derby is a unique fundraiser hosted in a casual setting, out in the sunshine by the poolside. Participants engage in a rubber duck race around a lazy river. Each participant purchases a rubber duck with a unique number. The ducks are made to race around a lazy river pool, and the winner becomes the lucky duck.

A unique aspect of the fundraiser is that even those who were not physically present at the event could participate. They could designate a proxy at the event to purchase a duck on their behalf and place them in the river. Remote participants could also purchase a duck from the website, individually or even an entire flock, to enhance their chances of winning.

The event, which took place at the Hollywood Casino Lazy River pool area in Bay St. Louis, generated lots of excitement. The lucky winner of the event held on July 28th received a cash prize. All the money from this fun event went towards helping the Foundation and Alumni Services organize events and fund student scholarships and other projects.

🌟Source of Inspiration

Delana Harris is the dynamic Executive Director of Foundation and Alumni Services at Pearl River Community College. In her role, she is nurturing and growing alum chapters and participation through innovative initiatives and events like the Duck Derby. Before her work with the Foundation, Delana played leadership roles as the Director of Marketing & Community and Director of Recruitment & Marketing at the college.

Her philosophy is to find ways to meet people where they are already engaged instead of waiting for them to come to the chapter. As part of her strategy, she is helping curate unique experiences that develop an inclusive engagement culture that alums and community members are proud to be a part of.

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