Racing Toward Opportunity: Join the 2025 Estes Park Duck Race and Support Our Graduates

Spring in Estes Park brings many things–longer days, budding wildflowers, and a truly delightful local tradition: the Estes Park Duck Race Festival. Picture thousands of rubber ducks plunging into the river, cheered on by a joyful crowd, all in support of local nonprofits doing meaningful work in our community.

At Eagle Rock School, we’re proud to be one of the benefiting organizations again this year. And this isn’t just any fundraiser–every duck adopted through our storefront directly supports the Eagle Rock Graduate Fund for Higher Education. That means every $25 duck is a small, floating symbol of opportunity for our graduates to pursue their dreams long after their time on campus ends.

The Heart of Our Mission: The Graduate Fund

At Eagle Rock, we believe learning doesn’t stop at graduation; in many ways, it’s just the beginning. That’s why we created the Graduate Fund early in our school’s history: to support and encourage our alumni as they continue their educational journeys in all forms.

Each Eagle Rock graduate has access to up to $14,000 in support, which can be used for a wide range of post-secondary learning experiences. Some use the funds for traditional college tuition. Others pursue online certifications, attend in-person workshops and conferences, purchase needed tools like laptops, or even pay down student loans. Whatever the path, the Graduate Fund helps our alumni take their next steps with confidence and fewer financial barriers.

And here’s the beautiful part: as the fund grows, so does the support we’re able to offer–retroactively. That means even past graduates can receive additional help as more donations come in.

We’ve seen firsthand how this fund changes lives. From students enrolling in nursing programs, to alums building skills in the trades or creative arts, the Graduate Fund turns “someday” into “right now.” Still, demand continues to grow, and we’re committed to expanding the fund to meet it.

Join the Duck Race: Support Our Graduates

This year’s Estes Park Duck Race takes place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. It’s the biggest fundraiser our town hosts, with over $3 million raised for nonprofits over the years. And it’s a blast!

When you adopt a duck for $25, $23 goes directly to the Eagle Rock Graduate Fund. Your duck will be one of thousands dropped into the river in downtown Estes Park during the big race. Prizes for winning ducks include $10,000 in cash, adventure trips, and gift cards to local and national retailers. Best of all? You don’t have to be present to win–adopt online from anywhere in the world! You can check the Duck Race website on Saturday, May 3rd to see if your little duck won and Duck Race officials will reach out to you to coordinate your winning prizes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a full-on community celebration, with music, a craft fair, and activities for kids. We’ll be there, sharing our mission and cheering on our little yellow champions.

Making Your Impact: How to Participate

Getting involved is simple (and fun!):

1. Visit https://adopt.epduckrace.org/products/eagle-rock-school
2. Select a single duck donation or, better yet, a five pack!
3. Add to your cart and check out. You've just supported our Eagle Rock Grads!
4. Share the page with your friends and family–or use the QR code to spread the word

Each duck adoption is just $25, and there are pricing tiers for multi-duck adoptions if you want to increase your chances to win big. Remember to ask your supporters to list your Eagle Rock House name in the “creditor” field–we’re tracking which house can rally the most support!

Beyond the Race: Supporting Our Students Year-Round

Not into duck races but still want to support? We welcome direct donations to the Graduate Fund at any time. Visit our Graduate Fund page to make a gift that fits your style.

Whether you’re an alum paying it forward, a family member wanting to honor a graduate’s journey, or a community member inspired by our work–every dollar fuels our graduates’ futures.

Let’s Make a Splash Together

The Estes Park Duck Race is more than a quirky tradition–it’s a chance for all of us to come together and invest in what matters most: the growth and future of young people finding their way in the world.

So adopt a duck. Make a donation. Spread the word.

Thank you for being part of our community and for believing in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we can ensure that every Eagle Rock graduate has the resources they need to keep learning, growing, and becoming the change-makers our world needs.