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Community Corner

Darling Ducklings Rally Together For Outstanding Sales

In 2013, the Darling Ducklings raised $32,000 for the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby which benefited Special Olympics Illinois. You'd think some professional sales force was behind such astounding results. In fact, the Darling Ducklings are 33 Special Olympics Illinois athletes from across the state. After all, who better understands the power of teamwork? 

These athletes, led by Leona Brescher (Customer Service Representative, Special Olympics Illinois), sold almost 6,500 ducks which far exceeded their goal of 5,000 ducks. 

One member, in particular, stood out for her initiative: Ela Stoklosa, who convinced her family that the needed to send one duck shaped cookie as a thank you for each dollar raised. 

When they agreed to it they probably didn't realize how hard Ela was going to hit the pavement. Ela and her family baked, frosted, packed and delivered more than 1,000 cookies to the donors.

Last year she was the top seller on the Darling Ducklings sales team.
Ela has been competing with Special Olympics Illinois in volleyball, basketball, cross country, hockey and track & field since 2008. In addition to competing, Ela is a Global Messenger and speaks to groups about how Special Olympics has impacted her life. 

This year, Ela has been appointed the Duck Ambassador. She can't wait to get started selling ducks again this year!

Join in Ela's fundraising efforts by starting a Sales Team or adopting a duck. Duck adoptions start at $5 per duck. For more information on the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby, Sales Teams and Duck Adoptions please visit https://www.duckrace.com/chicago

The Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby takes place on August 7 beginning at 10:00am at 400 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Admission is free and there is plenty of family fun planned including visits from Chicago's favorite sports mascots and the Radio Disney Road Crew. Duck adoptions will be sold until 12:30pm and splashdown is at 1:00pm. 

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for nearly 21,500 Traditional Athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 18,500 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org.

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