Dear Editor: One of the things that makes Sitka a truly special place in this world is the generosity of its inhabitants. Even with the cost of living being what it is, Sitkans still find ways to support each other. In my opinion, there is no better example of Sitkans helping Sitkans than the annual duck race.
The Sitka Rotary Club has been facilitating the duck race for decades – it has become a hallmark of summer activities. Seeing Rotarians selling tickets in the grocery stores is a more reliable indicator that winter is ending than any prediction made by Punxsutawney Phil.
A comment we hear often from folks usually goes along the lines of, “I buy a ticket every year, but I never win.” What they don’t realize, however, is that they do win. Everyone wins – even if it’s not connected to a winning duck – because all of the money raised for the duck race goes right back into the community. Using the money raised from duck race ticket sales, the Sitka Rotary Club has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits and community groups over the years. If you have attended a community event in the past year, there’s a strong likelihood that the Sitka Rotary Club has provided duck money to help fund it. From the Rose Awards to PorchFest to Kids Fishing Day, the Sitka Rotary Club is invested in making Sitka a vibrant place to live.
I joined the Sitka Rotary Club in 2024. Getting involved with the Rotary Club helped me make new friends and connections, grow as a leader, and combat feelings of isolation that can come with being a stay-at-home mom. I cannot express in words how much being a part of the Rotary Club has meant to me. I hope that more people who are looking to reconnect with the community or find a sense of purpose through acts of service, will consider joining the Sitka Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club is a non-political, non-religious organization open to anyone where the guiding principle is “service above self.” If you are at all interested or curious, please reach out to sitkarotary@gmail.com or come to one of our meetings. We meet in room 230 at the UAS Sitka Campus every Tuesday at noon.
Thank you everyone who bought a ticket to the duck race this year. I hope my letter has helped convince you that – regardless of the race’s outcome – you are, indeed, a winner.
Quack quack,
Katie Bunnell, Sitka
