Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts Duck Pluck fundraiser, seeks more male mentors in Middle Georgia
Betsy Fitzgerald with Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia joined 41 Today to discuss the organization's upcoming Duck Pluck fundraiser and the need for volunteers to support local youth.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia is preparing for its ninth annual duck-themed fundraiser while highlighting a growing need for male mentors across Middle Georgia.
Betsy Fitzgerald with Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia joined 41 Today to discuss the organization’s upcoming Duck Pluck fundraiser and the need for volunteers to support local youth.
The 2026 Duck Pluck will take place Friday, October 30, at noon at a private pool. The event will be livestreamed on the organization’s Facebook page, where viewers can watch as ducks are selected for prizes.
Participants have until Thursday, October 29, to adopt a duck for a chance to win up to $1,000. Proceeds will support the organization’s youth mentoring programs.
Duck adoption options include:
- One duck for $5
- Seven ducks for $30
- 14 ducks for $60
- 30 ducks for $100
Ducks can be adopted online at https://givebutter.com/2026Duck.
Fitzgerald said a donor has also contributed to the fundraiser by providing ducks for local partner schools, giving them an opportunity to win money for student programs.
The fundraiser comes as the organization continues working to recruit more volunteer mentors, particularly men.
Fitzgerald said Bibb County has a significant number of children waiting to be matched with mentors, with boys making up nearly all of those on the waiting list. Many are between fifth grade and their senior year of high school.
Although the organization has received more than 50 inquiries from potential volunteers in recent weeks, Fitzgerald said most have been women.
She said the organization recently matched a new mentor with a child following its recruitment efforts, but more volunteers are needed.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia serves students from second grade through high school, providing mentoring relationships designed to help young people succeed academically and prepare for their futures.
Fitzgerald said that volunteering does not have to require a major time commitment. Even spending about an hour a week with a young person can make a difference.
The organization is also hosting a Monster Mash Golf Bash on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bowden Golf Course, located at 3111 Millerfield Road in Macon.
The Halloween-themed event is open to children who are already matched with mentors or waiting to be matched. No golf experience is required, and costumes are encouraged.
Participants are asked to RSVP by Thursday, October 29, by emailing breyanna.johnson@bbbsga.org.
Fitzgerald encouraged men in the community, including those involved in churches, sports programs and other organizations, to consider becoming mentors.
She said mentoring provides an opportunity to influence a child’s future while helping strengthen families throughout Middle Georgia.
For more information about mentoring opportunities, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Heart of Georgia website at https://www.bbbsga.org.
