Hudson’s Duck Drop was a concept stewing inside Charlie Curren’s head for a few years after his son’s death.
“I wanted to do something to honor Hudson’s memory each year around his birthday - and give back to a community and an organization that has given so much to us,” Charlie said. “ Hosting a duck drop made perfect sense as a kid-friendly event. We have the Main Street bridge, the Black Fork River, and a beautiful patio at the Parrot Head Pub available here in town.”
After several conversations with family members, the duck drop idea became a reality. They selected Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio as the beneficiary. RMHC was an important resource to the family after Hudson was born prematurely and during his other hospital stays at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
“Once my sister and I started talking about it, we couldn’t wait another year to make it happen,” Charlie said. “We knew we didn’t have much time to advertise, but thought if we could drop a hundred or two ducks from the bridge and raise a little money for RMHC, it’d be a fun start.”
On July 22, 2023, the first Hudson’s Duck Drop took place. The family, surrounded by their community, dropped 580 ducks and raised $6,000 - FOUR times their original hope.
Building on that momentum, the second Hudson’s Duck Drop included 870 ducks and raised $10,700 for RMHC of Central Ohio.
“The first year, we heard Ronald McDonald House stories from others,” said Kate Curren, Hudson’s mother. “The second year, we heard more stories, but also heard from people who said they didn’t understand the importance of Ronald McDonald House until this event. Knowing that what we were doing was raising true awareness meant everything.”
Hudson’s Duck Drop 2025 is scheduled to take place July 26 in Shelby, Ohio. The Currens hope to drop 1000 ducks from the bridge during the event, which also includes a food truck, live music, kids games, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
“Hudson’s Duck Drop is an opportunity for Hudson’s legacy to continue in support of other families staying at the Ronald McDonald House,” Charlie said. “It’s also a moment for our family to come together with a purpose - especially as Ronald McDonald House continues to be part of our family’s story.”
Volunteers are a key part of the event and ensure no rubber ducks are left behind. The Parrot Head Pub has made significant flood mitigation improvements on the north side of the Main Street Bridge, complementing the city's efforts on the south side. This event not only showcases the downtown beautification, but also highlights local businesses through the silent auction and sponsorships.
“We’re so proud of how Hudson’s Duck Drop has grown,” said Charlie. “We receive donations and support from across the country. Being surrounded by love and laughter during Hudson’s birthday weekend is part of our healing process.”
Ducks for Hudson’s Duck Drop 2025 are now available to be “adopted” with a $10 donation. It is not necessary to be present on July 26 to win and it is not necessary to adopt a duck to attend the free event. The Currens hope to drop 1,000 ducks from the bridge this year.
Parrot Head Pub is located at 16 Mohican Street in Shelby, Ohio. Hudson’s Duck Drop will take place July 26, 5-9 p.m., with the drop scheduled for 8 p.m. More information is available at hudsonsduckdrop.com and on Facebook and Instagram @hudsonsduckdrop.