The Great Kiwanis Duck Race
For the past 23 years, the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga has held this fun race down the Tennessee River
- Up to 5,000 rubber ducks are dropped from the Walnut Street bridge
- Tickets are $5 each for one duck
- First prize for the top finishing duck is $2,000
Funding from the Great Kiwanis Duck Race has helped fund several playground projects throughout Chattanooga, primarily with schools in underserved communities. Here is a list of some of the schools we have helped:
East Lake Elementary School
Clifton Hills Elementary School
The Howard School
Calvin Donaldson Elementary School
Playground Revitalization and Restoration
We believe that every child should be able to participate in play, regardless of their abilities. We have partnered with PlayCore to purchase and install new play equipment in underserved schools and communities in the Chattanooga and Hamilton County area. Utilizing funds from the Great Kiwanis Duck Race and the Kiwanathon, we have purchased and installed four brand new playgrounds in area schools, and are currently working to raise funds for our fifth project.
Amtryke Adaptive Tricycles
We believe the fun and freedom of riding your own bike is something everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. People who are unable to operate a traditional bike can now share this experience, thanks to the Amtryke adaptive tricycle. These unique trykes are designed to accommodate riders of all ages and a myriad of physical and/or developmental challenges.
Adopt-a-Meal at Ronald McDonald House
Four times a year our members cook breakfast and dinner for the residents of Ronald McDonald House in Chattanooga. This 28-bedroom facility serves families with critically ill or injured children undergoing inpatient and outpatient treatment at nearby Chattanooga hospitals. It also serves childhood cancer patients being treated in Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic.
Help our Children Play Kiwanathon
Our unique signature event is a collaboration between our club members, the staff, parents, and children who benefit from our fundraising event and local businesses who sponsor 'teams' that compete in fun, creative games designed to elicit laughter and that require no particular athletic skills. Introduced four years ago, The Kiwanathon event has helped fund two of the playgrounds we have purchased and installed.
Distinguished Service Award
The Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga established the Distinguished Service Award in 1922. The purpose of this award is to give fitting recognition to citizens, who, in the judgment of the Club membership, have rendered unselfish, constructive, and distinguished services to our community. Our 2022 Honoree was Mr. Peter Cooper (shown at right).