With pride and a smile that mirrored his little brother’s spirit, Jaxon Curren presented a check for $16,500 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio on behalf of Hudson’s Duck Drop Wednesday, October 15.
This year’s third annual event, held July 26, 2025, raised a total of $18,500 for families served by Ronald McDonald House Charities. An additional $2,000 from the Shelby VFW in memory of Hudson was donated in July to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, ensuring that both Houses that support local families continue to help others in need.
Two days after what would have been Hudson's 7th birthday, 1,100 bright yellow rubber ducks took the plunge from Shelby’s Main Street Bridge, racing down the Black Fork River to the finish line at the Parrot Head Pub. Despite the day’s unpredictable weather, the community’s enthusiasm never wavered — and just as the skies cleared, a rainbow appeared, as if Hudson himself was giving the signal to “release the quackin’.”
“That rainbow felt like Hudson letting us know it was time,” said Charlie Curren, Hudson’s father and co-founder of the event. “Every year, we’re overwhelmed by how our community shows up — through rain, wind, or sunshine — to remember Hudson and support families who need the kind of help we once did.”
Winners, Smiles, and Community Spirit
Each duck was “adopted” through donations with all proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities. Ducks were adopted by supporters from West Virginia, Arizona, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, Michigan, South Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts, D.C., Kansas, California, Brazil, and Ohio.
“It was such a shock at the end of the evening to learn just how much we had raised,“ said Kate Curren, Hudson’s mother. “And watching Jaxon carry on his brother’s legacy by presenting the check last week was emotional for all of us. Hudson’s Duck Drop has become something truly special — a reminder that love and community can rise even from heartbreaking grief.”
Jaxon, now 14, was once again the honorary “Duck Master,” leading the drop from the bridge and announcing the winners.
“Hudson would have really liked the race – especially the kids zone games,” said Jaxon. “It feels really good to do something fun that helps other kids like him. Ronald McDonald House continues to give my family a home when we need it — I like being able to give this back.”
Gratitude to Sponsors and the Shelby Community
Hudson’s Duck Drop 2025 was made possible thanks to the generosity of dozens of sponsors, donors, and volunteers who gave their time, talent, and resources. The Curren family extends heartfelt thanks to:
Parrot Head Pub, Derr’s Painting, Brian R. Gates State Farm Insurance Agency, ArcelorMittal Shelby, Hockenberry Trucking & Excavating, Neeley Dirt Works, Three Littles Bounce Company, Pancho’s Taco Truck, Spitzer Motors of Mansfield, The Jones Clones & Jake, What’s Smoken, Sportsman’s Den, Hedstrom, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Ace Hardware, Cain Graphics & Screenprinting, K-9 Creed Armor Program, Alta Florist & Greenhouse, Marigold Bakery, Life is Sweet Cakery, Weber’s Bar, Bath & Body Works, Carter’s Ontario Towne Center, The Vault Wine Bar, Snap Fitness, Long Dog Woodworking, HS Home & Candles, Sephora, Roselawn Miniature Golf Course, B’s Ornamental Concrete, Local Roots, the Respiratory Department at Ohio Health, City of Shelby, the Shelby Police Department, Peter Burke, the Baker Family, the Lamb Family, Bonnie White, Heidi Alt, the Post Family, Julie Alt, the Seibert Family, Hudson & Co, the Sampsel Family, and countless others who helped make this year’s event a success.
From sponsoring ducks to donating auction items, setting up tents, or simply cheering along the riverbank, each person played a part in continuing Hudson’s legacy.
“Every dollar raised, every duck dropped, and every smile shared keeps Hudson’s memory alive,” said Charlie. “He may not be here with us, but his joy continues to ripple through this community and beyond.”
Looking Ahead
The Curren family and volunteers are already planning Hudson’s Duck Drop 2026, tentatively set for July 25, with new surprises and community partnerships in store.
Follow @HudsonsDuckDrop on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, photos, and next year’s duck adoption launch.
Because when it comes to love, laughter, and little yellow ducks — Hudson’s story is just getting started.
About Hudson’s Duck Drop
Founded in 2023 in memory of Hudson Curren, the annual Hudson’s Duck Drop has become a cherished summer tradition in downtown Shelby. What began as a way for the Curren family to give back to the Ronald McDonald House, which sheltered them during Hudson’s medical journey, has blossomed into a community celebration of love, laughter, and legacy.
Each year, the event features live music, food trucks, games, raffles, and a silent auction — all culminating in the duck race down the Black Fork. To date, Hudson’s Duck Drop has raised more than $35,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
About Hudson
Born prematurely on July 24, 2018, Hudson faced an uphill medical battle with a mitochondrial disease known as Alpers (POLG mutation). During his hospital stays, Ronald McDonald House became a home away from home for the Curren family, providing comfort just steps from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Hudson passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2019, shortly after his first birthday — but his spirit continues to inspire kindness, community, and compassion.
