IPA Charities Supports Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby As A Sponsor

IPA Charities, the presenting sponsor, contributed $50,000 toward the Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby which was held in downtown Chicago on Friday, August 25, 2006.

After nearly six years, the Special Olympics Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby came back to downtown Chicago. Thousands of people lined the riverfront to watch 20,000+ rubber ducks be dumped into the Chicago River near the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The ducks "raced" along the river – aided by Fire Department and Marine Patrol powered water sprays – to the finish line at the next bridge. Ducks were made available for adoption to benefit the Special Olympics Illinois at a cost of $5.00 per duck.

More than $200,000 was raised by all those who adopted ducks and supported the Chicago Tribune Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby. Owners of the top finishing ducks won fabulous grand prizes including a first place prize of a 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT; a second place prize of a seven night vacation in the Riviera Maya and third place winner receiving a Sony 50-inch plasma flat panel television.

"The ongoing generous support of IPA is not only helping to create life time memories for athletes and their families, but is also demonstrating a respect for the value of every member of society," said Doug Snyder, President & CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. "Simply stated, they are making a difference in peoples lives."

"We believe in providing daily environments that are dedicated to empowering individuals, " said Gregg M. Steinberg, President of International Profit Associates. "This is clearly one of the Special Olympics missions and as such we are honored to support them in fulfilling that mission."

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic- type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information about The Windy City Ducky Derby, visit www.duckrace.com/chicago.

Special Olympics Illinois is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises funds through private means, such as donations and grants. Special Olympics Illinois is accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. which operates in all 50 states and in more than 150 countries. Illinois supports more than 19,000 athletes annually from communities throughout the state.