SHELBY — Charlie Curren is hoping to drop more than 500 rubber ducks from Shelby’s Main Street bridge later this summer.
Curren and his family recently announced the return of “Hudson’s Duck Drop,” a fundraiser to honor their late son, Hudson, while raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
The second annual “Hudson’s Duck Drop” is set to take place July 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Parrot Head Pub, 16 Mohican St. in Shelby.
Last year’s event surpassed the Curren family’s goal of 200 ducks, dropping 580 ducks into the Black Fork River and raising $6,000 for RMHC of Central Ohio.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Curren said. “To really exceed those expectations, it kind of gives you those chills. It gives you the goosebumps.”
Family-friendly event gives chance to share stories
Curren said he hopes to best last year’s fundraising numbers this July — while also providing an opportunity to bring the community together again in the heart of downtown.
He also said the chance to share and hear stories from other people with similar experiences is just as valuable as the funds being raised.
“I was just amazed by how many people it (Ronald McDonald House) has affected, how many people it’s really helped and how many people have really relied on it throughout their lives, even for a brief moment,” Curren said.
“I think a lot of the stories, kinship and friendship of those relationships was great last year and I’m excited about hearing more this year, too,” he said.
After being dropped, the ducks race from the Main Street bridge to the pub’s patio and can be sponsored for $10 each. Sponsorships are available online or in person at Parrot Head Pub.
Event volunteers are stationed at the finish line to collect the rubber ducks from the water and record the top six finishers.
The family-friendly event includes live music, a food truck, games for kids, prizes and fun.
Celebrating the life of Hudson Curren
Hudson Curren faced an uphill battle from birth, born prematurely on July 24, 2018.
He began having seizures and was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease known as Alpers, a mutation of the POLG gene, which drastically decreases the amount of energy able to be produced by the body’s cells.
Hudson’s diagnosis led to multiple month-long stays at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, including a medically-induced coma.
During his stays at the hospital, Hudson’s parents, Charlie and Kate, were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio, located across the street from Nationwide Children’s.
Along with housing, the Ronald McDonald House offered meals and emotional assistance to the Curren family throughout their stays.
On Aug. 31, 2019, Hudson’s fight against Alpers concluded. He passed away at home shortly after his first birthday.
The Curren family created “Hudson’s Duck Drop” to celebrate their son’s life, while providing a family-friendly event to the community who rallied around them during Hudson’s three-month battle.
Curren said it’s also an opportunity for his son’s legacy to continue in support to other families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
Prizes, shirts and stickers
Each rubber duck entered into the race is numbered. Sponsors of the first six ducks to cross the finish line will receive prizes, which include cash ($200, $75 and $50) and gift cards to various local businesses.
Participants sponsoring a duck do not need to be present to win a prize.
Event shirts and stickers are available online. Funds raised from the sales of shirts and stickers will be added to the total donation made to RMHC of Central Ohio.
