Durham School Services, a leader in student transportation, took honors as the top fundraising team at the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby, Aug, 8, on the Chicago River. Durham’s team of 10, which included members of the corporate office, field managers, drivers and family members, raised $14,099 in duck adoption sales and sponsorship for Special Olympics Illinois.
More than 50,000 rubber duckies raced down the Chicago River hoping to be picked the winner. These duck adoptions raised more than $300,000 to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. This was the seventh year Durham has participated in the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby.
This year, Durham School Services corporate office in Warrenville took on the Derby as a team. The company had monthly team building meetings that included Global Messenger speeches by athletes Molly Sosnowski, Grace Seiboldt and Jose Moreno, Jr. throughout the summer. The efforts culminating at the company “Bags Tournament” where Splash Duck and the 2013 Chevy Malibu prize car, donated by the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers, made an appearance.
Durham School Services began transporting special needs students in 1917, and their commitment to the safety and well-being of children extends beyond the school bus ride and into each and every community they serve. Durham School Services has partnered with Special Olympics for the past 15 years, supporting local events across the country because they truly believe in the Special Olympics mission. Serving the communities in which they operate is a primary value at Durham School Services.
Durham’s participation in the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby was organized by Kimberly Isley-Pesto, Lead Corporate Training Specialist of Durham School Services Warrenville location. “It’s a special feeling to know we’re playing a role in transforming lives across the state,” Isley-Pesto said. “Special Olympics Illinois is a wonderful organization to partner with. This year’s fundraising efforts were amazing! We had a creative and fun team who worked hard and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate and make a difference.”
“The enthusiasm and loyal support of the team at Durham School Services has been very gratifying for the Special Olympics staff, athletes and volunteers,” said Dave Breen, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “They not only sponsor and raise funds to support our program, but create a fun festive atmosphere throughout their organization which rallies around our athletes.”
Durham School Services is a year-round partner providing donated bus services for various events and competitions, along with sponsorship and fundraising teams for the Plane Pull and the Polar Plunge, in addition to the Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby.
About Durham School Services
Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 30 states and operates a fleet of nearly 13,000 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time, and ready to learn.” For more information, visit Durham’s website.