Each month, we will donate $1 for every item sold in our Habitual Gratitude Shop to organizations that help others and spread gratitude.
The more we sell, the more we can donate!
The South Mountain YMCA
The iconic Duck Races are back in person! You can join the South Mountain YMCA on the banks of the river in Memorial Park in Maplewood on Monday, May 30th starting at 11:00am, and cheer your ducks to victory and prizes.
For those unfamiliar with the duck races, hundreds of rubber ducks are dumped into the Rahway River for each heat at the Oakview Avenue bridge in Memorial Park. Spectators crowd the banks of the river in the park to cheer for the ducks. Winners enjoy prizes from local businesses and sponsors. Proceeds support local charities.
The Duck Race is an iconic Maplewood event founded in 1998 by the Maplewood Kiwanis to support local charities. In 1998, my mom, Ellie Gianni brought this tradition to life and was known as the original “duck lady”. She sat outside the Maplewood Stationers every year selling tickets for ducks. My mom passed away in 2013 and would be flabbergasted to know how big this event has become!
In past years, the South Mountain YMCA partnered with Kiwanis and is now thrilled to be host of this beloved tradition. Last year, they created “The Ellie Gianni Community Impact Grant’ and MEND was the recipient of the award. As a board member of MEND, it is an organization near and dear to my heart.
Each year moving forward, the Y will select, a qualifying local non-profit to receive 20%, up to $5,000 of the proceeds, in the memory of my mom, who helped to bring this event to us over 20 years ago.
Proceeds for the event go towards:
Community Connections: Enables the Y to provide and connect with local organizations to deliver:
Access to lifesaving programs like Blood Drives
Family and community resources that address food insecurity and basic needs of individuals and families less fortunate
Emergency Child Care for essential workers
Combat Isolation: As you fight to stay healthy and safe at home, we are providing ways to get connected with others and reduce anxiety:
Senior well checks and socialization activities
Mental and physical health and wellness through virtual program offerings that are FREE
Stress & anxiety relief for ALL ages
Academic Support: We are Providing resources and low-cost programs to support the continued academic learning of youth:
Virtual programs for children to combat learning loss from a disruption of structured school routine
STEAM based education
Provide families in need with free access to our Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program
