New 2023 Hometown Hero - wrestler Payten Smith
Thanks everybody who made this a reality!

October 16, 2023

To the Hometown Heroes Organizing Committee,

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for naming me the 2023 Hometown Hero and for creating an unforgettable evening. Never did I think that I would be on the same wall as so many impressive and amazing well-rounded individuals, nor did I think that I would ever be celebrated in such a special and intimate way. This award means a great deal to me, and I want to extend my appreciation to the entire selection committee.

Being back in my old high-school surrounded by my friends, family, and the community together in one place is a memory that I will always cherish. Each person who was in the room has made a pivotal impact on my life and having them all together at once wouldn’t been possible without your organization. It was an incredible reminder of the individuals who have made lasting positive impacts on my life, which I hope to mirror in others' lives. It also provided a chance to recognize the dedication and care of my past coaches and mentors who continue to mold and shape individuals and athletes into becoming the best versions of themselves.

Once again, thank you for this incredible recognition. I am excited to be a Hometown Hero and I will do my utmost best to continue to stand as a positive role model. And, most importantly, to show the world the impacts of the encouraging and inspiring community within Maple Ridge.

Warm regards,

Payten Smith
2023 Hometown Hero

Rotary Duck Race in Maple Ridge raised best-ever $91,940

There were prizes for the top five ducks:

• Maple Ridge resident Tracey Bon had the fastest rubber duck #4213 to race down the Alouette River, and won $15,000.
   
• Second was Jamie Shin, winning $1,200 cash and a $1,200 Mark’s shopping spree.
  (Meadow Ridge Rotary Club still needs to reach Jamie Shin, and we ask him/her to contact us - with ID to claim the prize.)
   
• Third was #0276 - Jim McCaughan of Vancouver winning a Beautyrest mattress valued at $2,000.
   
• Fourth was #3741 - Richard Rosenthal of Mission taking 10 rounds of golf at Meadow Gardens.
   
• Fifth was #3116 - Mike Fulton of Maple Ridge winning a 60-inch smart TV.

There was also a 50/50 draw which was won by Greta Borick-Cunningham, who took home $2,350.

And a best-ever $91,940 was raised for youth and seniors' groups in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

“That’s the highest number of tickets we’ve ever sold. Thank you to the community,” said Rotary Club of Meadow Ridge president Brenda Jenkins.

The president said the annual fundraiser is a lot of work, but the payoff was the support for numerous community groups, a great family event in Maple Ridge Park on Sunday, Aug. 13.
Jenkins thanked local Scouts, the Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club, the Salvation Army and Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue for helping to run the event, as well as numerous local sponsors.

Groups like the Haney Neptunes, who raised about $8,000 through the fundraiser, and the Maple Ridge Concert Band, who showed up at the park on Sunday to provide a musical backdrop to the event, benefited from the race.