• Kings's Shops Rubber Duckie Race brings in $33K for nonprofit

    August 09, 2024
    Friday 8/9/2024 https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/ 

    WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT — On a fun-filled Fourth of July, Kings’ Shops held its Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race and raised over $33,000 for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii, celebrating 65 years. The daylong event was a success, with hundreds of spectators cheering on their bright yellow ducks as they floated across Kings’ Lake.

    First to cross the finish line was the duck belonging to Chris Antos, who was awarded the grand prize of a round of golf at Mauna Kea Golf Course, a Dolphin Quest encounter and numerous other prizes valued at $2,412.

    Altogether, the first 50 finishers scored prizes including hotel stays at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and many gift cards and items from island businesses.

    The very last duckie to finish also won a prize — gift cards from Roy’s Waikoloa, Michael Kors, Jamba Juice and Big Island Candies.

    Race day began at 11 a.m. with a no-hands watermelon-eating contest at A-Bay’s Island Grill, followed by a shave ice contest at the Original Big Island Shave Ice Company.

    Before and after the race, keiki had fun with face painting, balloons, a Duck Hunt, Duck Waddle and Duck Calling contests.

    Invaluable duck-selling support was provided by volunteers from Kamehameha Schools.

    Other sponsors include West Hawaii Today, Juice 101, Midweek, Big Island Television, Original Big Island Shave Ice Company, Michael Kors, B93
    B97 and KWXX Radio, along with The Wave, Lava 105, KBig and KAPA, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Odiom Coca Cola, SR Service Rentals, Puna Certified Nursery, Pacific Waste, Let’s Go Banners, and John Allen Sign Co.

    Keiki enjoy some of the festivities at the Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race last month.

    COURTESY PHOTO/ KING’S SHOPS