The Rubber Duck Derby was once again a success, providing the local charity Agape House with over $150,000.

This year's Derby raised $158,000, largely with the help of the Island's corporations, which raised $105,000 and bought a record-breaking 704 corporate ducks.

The major supporter for the event, Garry Madeiros, president and CEO of BELCO Holdings Ltd, said: "We thank the corporate community for once again giving generously to the event through the purchase of corporate ducks, which significantly contributes to the success of Agape House annual Rubber Duck Derby."

Many people came out for the event held on June 3 at Ordnance Island — marking the 11th anniversary of the fundraiser, and while kids enjoyed the fun castle and face painting, the entire family were entertained by a series of dances, including the St. George's Original Dancerettes, In Motion Dancers, Bermuda African Dance Company, Filipino Dancers, Portuguese Dancers and the Gombeys.

Gertie Barker, Friends of Hospice president, explained that it was the public who helped to make the event a success each year. She said: We would also like to thank the public for their support, as the Derby has grown in its popularity not only as a major fund-raiser for Agape House, but also a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while being entertained and enjoying a variety of foods."

Agape House is a 12-bed hospice which provides support services for the terminally ill, and operates on the principle of "caring, not curing".

All of the money raised in the Rubber Duck Derby goes towards purchasing items to make their patients comfortable and providing staff with needed equipment.

People are encouraged to support the Agape House by "adopting a duck" each year and when a ticket is purchased the individual is assigned a Lucky Number that coincides with a rubber duck.

There are four different races, including the 'Youth Duck Race' , the 'Pamper Me Race', the 'Family Race' and the 'Corporate Ducks' — costing between $5 for a child and $150 for a corporation.

There were over a 100 prizes awarded at this year's event, including a family-of-four trip to London, washer and dryer and a gas barbecue.