TC Optimist Club Donates $17,000 From Duck Race

The Traverse City Optimist Club, with fewer than 40 active members, has donated a record $17,000 to several area nonprofits. The funds came from the club's primary annual fundraiser, the duck race held every July during the National Cherry Festival.

Twenty area nonprofits received funds from the Optimist Club, including Arts For All of Northern Michigan, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Child & Family Services.

The 2021 duck race was held virtually, but still managed to raise a record amount of funds from sponsors and duck "adopters" (watch the race here).