The 22nd Annual Dixon Duck Dash, presented by Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, made a splash on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center.

More than 300 guests attended and enjoyed a day filled with swimming, activity booths and a chance to help the nonprofit raise funds in support of its mission of providing affordable and accessible primary care services with a special emphasis on serving the uninsured and under-insured in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Board officials said the event raised $60,000, the most money since the event began more than 20 years ago.

All proceeds will go directly to fund SDFHC’s medical, dental and behavioral health programs and ensure individuals and families in the community receive the care they need to lead healthy lives.

“The community continues to embrace our annual Duck Dash fundraiser. It’s a testament to our mission and our work with providing essential healthcare services to anyone in need,” said SDFHC CEO Philip Solomon. “For more than 40 years, we’ve been a trusted source. Our patients visit us to receive services and connect to resources in the Santa Clarita Valley. This event gives us the opportunity to share information, engage with local residents, as well as raise much-needed funds to keep residents healthy.”

The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center is an ideal location for this annual event, especially since it was hosted on the last day of recreational swimming.

“We appreciate the city of Santa Clarita for being a sponsor and allowing us to use the beautiful aquatic center. Their employees were very generous and supportive and we were grateful for their help in providing the space and ensuring guests have a memorable experience,” SDFHC Board Chair Gloria Mercado-Fortine said. “We look forward to this continued partnership, as the pool was filled with guests of all ages; our goal is to bring awareness and have fun.”

Participants donated $5 to enter a rubber duck, that was assigned a unique number and entered in multiple duck races that occurred throughout the event.

For the final Title Sponsor race there were three winners who received prizes of First Place, four tickets to the Disneyland Resort; Second Place, Tickets to the Long Beach Aquarium and Los Angeles Zoo, along with $125 in restaurant gift cards; Third Place, Flapper Comedy Club, Rock Climbing Experience and restaurant $50 gift card.

“We are extremely grateful to our Title Sponsor Logix Federal Credit Union and their team in making this event a success. Logix has partnered and supported SDFHC for the past several years and their generosity and support has made an impact on the lives of many in our community,” said Mercado-Fortine.

This year’s Duck Dash was also sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Supervisor Katheryn Barger; Humana, LBW Insurance, Blue Shield Promise, Valley Breast Care, United Imaging and Billionaire Barbers Club.

Additionally, Wolf Creek restaurant partnered with SDFHC by hosting a one-day fundraiser where each dollar raised was matched by Logix, and a special sundae dessert was created in support of the event which was sold throughout the month of September.

“As a resident and a business owner, it was a privilege to participate in the Samuel Dixon Duck Dash with my team at Wolf Creek Restaurant,” owner Laina McFerren said. “It was nice to have the rubber duckies in our dining room, and the QR codes to promote the event fundraiser to support healthcare in our community. We look forward to next year, as our customers really enjoyed the chance to participate.”

SDFHC’s staff and Dixon Duck Dash committee are looking forward to 2026 with activity booths and vendors expected to again be part of th event. The local nonprofit will also offer duck purchases all year long.

“The website is ready, and we’re thrilled to make this opportunity available because the need is constant. We thank everyone who supports us and can’t wait to celebrate our success at next year’s event. We raised $60,000 this year and we’re looking forward to doubling it,” Solomon said.

Community members who wish to participate in the 2026 23rd Annual Dixon Duck Dash can purchase entries on the SDFHC website.

Founded in 1980 by Rev. Samuel Dixon in Val Verde, SDFHC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that operates five locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and two satellite programs providing an array of healthcare and behavioral health services.

For more information, visit sdfhc.org.