The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development held its 36th annual Rubber Duckie Race and Festival on Sept. 8. With more than 600 attendees, 218 registered racers, and more than 210 volunteers, the event raised $175,918, which is 29% more than last year.

Held in person at the Schreiber Center, 625 Community Way, Lancaster, the festival featured an afternoon of activities, including pony rides by the Rough Riders 4-H Club, face painting, festival games, and food trucks from Scoops Ice Cream & Grille, Walk-O Taco, Cupcakes by Casey, and Fetish Brewing Company.

This year's event introduced community races in which participants took center stage. The Duckling Dash, a kids' fun run split into two age-related heats, saw every child cross the finish line and receive a finisher's medal. Also offered were the Duckie Dash, a professionally timed 1-mile race, and the Duckie Relay, a four-person team relay race. Phil Headland took home the title of fastest male racer with a time of 5 minutes and 25 seconds, and Alexa Shade was the fastest female racer, finishing in 5:57.

Miss Pennsylvania 2024, Paige Weinstein, was a special guest at the event, sharing her message around her service initiative, "Promoting the Ability in Disability."

The event also celebrated the joy and resilience of Schreiber's Ambassadors and their families. This year's event saw more than 5,000 rubber duckies adopted, with 50 sponsors helping make the day possible, including presenting sponsor Lancaster Toyota.

All funds raised will directly support the Kids' Care Fund, helping ensure that children at Schreiber will continue to receive the life-changing therapies they need to thrive. The Schreiber Center has always stood by its nearly 90-year promise to never turn away a child in need due to financial circumstances, and events like this are essential in keeping that promise alive.

To learn more, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org.