Since becoming a Children’s Miracle Network sponsor in 1991, Ace Hardware has raised more than $43 million for local hospitals. This success stems from the creative fundraising efforts of the Ace Hardware Foundation and the generous contributions of Ace retailers, vendor partners and Ace team members.
While Ace retailers participate in two in-store Miracle Balloon campaigns each year, the Ace Hardware Foundation hosts a number of major fundraising events. In 2008, two of Aces’ largest fundraisers included the annual Ace Hardware Foundation Vendor Golf Outing—the largest event of its kind in the Chicago area—and the annual Ace Hardware Tour de Kids, a bicycle journey from Chicago to St. Louis. As a result of generous contributions, vendor support and steadfast commitment from the Ace team, these two events raised more than $1 million to support Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. For the past 12 years, Ace has also hosted the annual Golf Shootout. In 2009 this celebrity-packed golf challenge raised over $500,000 and the show will air in August on the GOLF CHANNEL.
In addition to these large events, Ace retailers and Ace retail support centers and store owners host a number of regional fundraising events ranging from golf outings, barbeque events, fishing tournaments and garage sales.