State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, had just introduced a bill to allow the practice after the New York State Gaming Commission had said the duck races violated state law.
“I applaud the Governor for listening to local officials and organizations on this important issue,” said Senator Ortt. “This was an example of an antiquated and illogical law that had been on the books for years but was scarcely enforced. Events like the duck derbies were raising money for good causes, not malice, and organizations were about to suddenly be penalized for that solely because those events are being held on state property. I’m thankful that a commitment to common sense and charity won the day.”
Ortt, along with local officials, reacted to the cancellation of a duck derby fundraiser in Brockport after state Gaming Commission officials said it violated gaming laws and regulations. The derby, which has been a summer staple for the Brockport Arts Festival for years, consists of raffled toy ducks floating down the Erie Canal, which is state property.
A duck race planned for Canal Fest next weekend was halted due to the ruling, but Gov. Cuomo says it can be held, saying that the New York State Gaming Commission can expedite any and all approvals needed for Community Missions to move forward with this year’s duck race. Community Mission earns $7,000 annually from the race, which it uses towards local soup kitchens and other charitable ventures.
“Each year, Community Missions’ charitable duck race raises thousands of dollars to support the organization’s important work for the city’s most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Cuomo. “After discussions with the New York State Gaming Commission, we’ve determined a lawful pathway for this popular event to take place on the Erie Canal this year and in the years ahead. The Commission has reached out to city officials and Community Missions to ensure the proper steps are taken so that the raffle may be legally conducted.”
Governor Cuomo continued, “Additionally, I have requested that the Commission proactively contact similarly situated Western New York charitable organizations seeking to hold fundraisers on the Canal to advise them on how they too can proceed legally to raise funds. I am pleased that with this administrative fix, these important traditions will be able to continue for the entire Western New York community.”
“We are thrilled that Governor Cuomo reached out to help us cut through the red tape to allow Community Missions to hold our fun, favorite fundraiser,” said Robyn Krueger, Executive Director of Community Missions Of Niagara Frontier, Inc. “By expediting the application process to use a state waterway, the duck race can commence on Saturday, July 23 at Canal Fest, which helps support our mission of serving individuals and families in need. We’ve provided Compassion in Action to those in need in Niagara County since 1925. With Governor Cuomo’s help, our wide range of services will continue.”
Community Missions has been holding the annual duck race for decades to raise money for the services it provides. Individuals and organizations can buy plastic ducks which then float down the canal. The sponsors of the winning ducks receive a prize.
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