CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A first-of-its-kind event put more than 1,000 flamingos in the water to raise money for a local non-profit over the weekend in Champaign.

The Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) group said they wanted a fundraiser that was different from the typical duck race. So, they floated the idea for the Flamazing Race. Donors purchased a flamingo, which raised money for scholarships.

The scholarships help people with disabilities afford park district programs.

“People in the community really showed up for us, and that’s what we want to see because we also want to raise awareness and let people know having access to recreation, whether or not you have a disability, is still very important,” Christina Mott, CUSR Program Manager, said.

Mott said that they raised more than $5,000. CUSR’s next fundraising event is the Cupcake 5K in November.