The annual Duck Dash-Rubber Ducky Festival to benefit the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, Inc. set for October 12 was canceled due to the Saddleback Fire, and though the races went on, the intended fundraising did not.

The city of Santa Clarita’s Parks and Recreation Department opened up the Aquatic Center to the races, so Dixon Center staff and volunteers gathered all the crates full of thousands of rubber ducks and held multiple heat races there on October 12.

Four Duck Dash grand prize winners were identified and will be contacted by a representative from the Dixon Center.

“The cancellation of our signature fundraiser meant that we were unable to raise thousands of dollars that we generally raise on the day of the event, but the safety of everyone involved and our community was priority,” said Daisy Wyche, event coordinator, in a statement.

“The cancellation … weighs heavily in our hearts because we know that so many people look forward to the fun-filled event,” she said.

The additional proceeds would have supported hundreds of health care visits for those in need, Wyche said.

The Saddleridge Fire closed freeways and seriously affected air quality, prompting organizers to cancel the festival the day before, on October 11.

“All of us at Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers would like to extend our appreciation to all our adoptees, participants, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and community for their ongoing support of our annual fundraiser,” Wyche said. “Please know that all contributions for this year’s event will go directly toward families in need of healthcare, dental and behavioral health services.”

Sponsors included the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation-Title Sponsor, Mission Valley Bank, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Mission View High School, Logix, First Presbyterian Church, Presto Pasta, Mission Renaissance, Starbucks, Hilton Garden Inn, Salon Centric, Mad Cap Balloons and Annnd Action Photo Booth. Media Partners – KHTS AM 1220, FM 98.1, SCVTV, SOS Entertainment and 24/7 Events.

The planning for next year’s Duck Dash-Rubber Ducky Festival has already begun and details regarding the event will be released as soon as they become available.

About Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers, Inc.
SDFHC was established in 1980 in the community of Val Verde and named for long-time Val Verde resident and minister, the late Reverend Samuel Dixon. The mission of SDFHC is to enhance wellness by providing quality primary health care, dental, behavioral health and enrollment services to all residents of the Santa Clarita Valley and nearby communities with a special emphasis on serving those who are underinsured, uninsured and of low income.

For more information, or to make a donation that could save a life, visit www.sdfhc.org.