30,000 Ducks Compete in Fifth Annual Charleston Duck Race on Daniel Island

30,000 rubber ducks took a dive from the top of the James B. Edwards Bridge on I-526 into the Wando River on Saturday, June 4th at the fifth annual Charleston Duck Race. The race towards the finish line at the dock in front Daniel Island Real Estate’s sales and information center produced 15 winners, whose “owners” took home cash and other prizes. One lucky winner from Tennessee took home the grand prize of $15,000!

It was great fun all in the name of charity. The Charleston Duck Race, organized by Charleston area Rotary Clubs (including the Daniel Island Rotary Club), has evolved into one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in the Lowcountry. Recognized last year by Rotary International with a prestigious “Significant Achievement Award,” the event raises money for a variety of local non=profit organizations, including East Cooper Meals on Wheels, East Cooper Community Outreach, Tri-county Ministries, Junior Achievement of Coastal Carolina and others. Since inception, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.

The day’s festivities included all kinds of land-based activities that kept families entertained as the ducks prepared for the main event. Food trucks, kids’ activities, music and more created a festive atmosphere on the banks of the Wando River. Check out photos from this exciting Daniel Island event:

Come "Light The Night" on Daniel Island

Participants at the 2008 Charleston "Light The Night Walk"

The light will shine brightly on Daniel Island on the evening of Thursday, November 5, even after the sun sets, as the S.C. Chapter of the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society hosts its annual Charleston “Light the Night Walk“.

The “Light The Night Walk” is an international event that pays tribute and brings hope to those battling cancer. Throughout the United States and Canada, hundreds of communities come together as thousands of participants carry illuminated balloons throughout the streets. The color of the balloons is symbolic: White for survivors, red for supporters, and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.

“The breathtaking parade of red, gold and white balloons against the evening sky is such a beautiful sight,” says event coordinator Laura Tregner. “It is a memorable experience for everyone involved.” Together, the balloons, as well as the men, women and children carrying them, will light up the night in honor of all those affected by cancer and to raise funding for lifesaving research.

In Charleston, this year’s “Light The Night Walk” will take place at Freedom Park on Daniel Island on Thursday, November 5. Registration starts at 6:00 pm and the walk will start at 7:00 pm. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.lightthenight.org/sc.

Check out the video below, featuring Tina Fey, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s national spokesperson, talking about why it’s so important to get involved and “walk the talk”!