Ohio Department of Aging
Site MapSite HelpContact Us Text Size:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2006
COLUMBUS - Bob Edwards, of Kenwood, shared his experience as Chair of the annual FreestoreFoodbank Rubber Duck Regatta with Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging, in the latest installment of the department's television show, "Finer With Age." The 73 year old founded the event 12 years ago and has seen it raise more than $3.5 million to feed the hungry.
"I was amazed to learn that the largest Rubber Duck Regatta in the nation has been run by a volunteer for more than a decade," said Director Kearns, also the host of the show. "Mr. Edwards is a shining example of positive aging and a role model for all ages with his generous and kind service to the community."
The Rubber Duck Regatta, one of Cincinnati's premiere and best-known events, is held the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend during Riverfest. More than 80,000 rubber ducks dive beak first into the Ohio River.
"The entire purpose of the regatta is to raise money for a good charity," said Edwards. "The Freestore serves over 20 counties across the south of Ohio and the tri-state area. Every dollar that you spend to get a duck goes directly to the FreestoreFoodbank."
Recently, Edwards was awarded the Individual Volunteer Service of the Year Award from America's Second Harvest, the FreestoreFoodbank's national parent agency. He was chosen among thousands of volunteers. The FreestoreFoodbank provides food for an estimated 161,000 people annually.
"Finer With Age" is produced monthly by the Ohio Department of Aging and taped at Ohio Government Television in Columbus. The latest episode also includes a discussion with James Cummins, M.D, geriatric psychiatrist, and Lea Blackburn, director of the Gerlach Center for Senior Health, about preventing late-life depression. It began airing in December on participating cable access and public broadcasting stations throughout the state and airs locally on Time Warner Cable. Check your local listings for air times. For more information on the program, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com/finerwithage.
About ODA
The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.
Contact:
Online Contact Form…
Ohio Department of Aging