Duck Regatta Raises Community Support for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast

The Fourth Annual Duck Regatta once again made a huge splash during the family-fun event at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort on Oct. 11. A total of 3,000 ducks raced across the Lagoon toward the finish line. The $5,000 lucky duck was adopted by Dr. Mike O’Donnell, DMD, on behalf of his daughters, Haley and Megan. As the rest of the flock made it across the finish line, nine other duck “adopters” won prizes, including a paddle board, airline tickets, iPads and dinner packages. 
 
The popular community event benefits Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Volunteer Guild, which raises funds to support hospital capital equipment and continuing-educational opportunities for hospital associates. Sacred Heart volunteers have a strong impact on our community hospital, adding a personal touch to customer service and playing an integral role in supporting Sacred Heart's reputation for providing high quality, compassionate healthcare to all. 
 
“We are thrilled to have raised more than $40,000 for the hospital,” says Joe Johnston, Volunteer Guild Fundraising Chair. “We were pleased to see so many families enjoying a picture-perfect day, packed with many fun activities. The icing on the cake was having 35 very generous community sponsors for our event, 550 individuals adopting ducks, and our team of awesome event volunteers to make everything go smoothly.”
 
The SHHEC Volunteer Guild would like to thank its major Duck Regatta sponsors:
 
·       Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology
·       Destin Commons
·       The Donut Hole
·       Magna Carta Group
·       Mollega Eye Care and Optique
·       Ray A. Morse, DMD, Cosmetic, Laser and Digital Dentistry
·       Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance
 
 
For a full list of Duck Regatta sponsors and supporters, as well as photos from the event and a list of all 10 winners, please visit www.emeraldcoastduckregatta.com and www.facebook.com/emeraldcoastduckregatta.
 
Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast opened its doors to patient care in January 2003 as a 50-bed community hospital. Since then, the not-for-profit hospital has grown steadily and continues to fulfill its mission to improve the health of the community at large, with special attention to service of the poor. Recognized nationally for high quality, compassionate and safe healthcare, the hospital has received the 100 Top Hospitals® award from Thomson Reuters and Truven Health four times since opening, including most recently in 2012, 2013 and 2014. For more information about Sacred Heart, please visit www.sacredheartemerald.org.