Ace sponsors ride for Children’s Miracle Network

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace has announced more than 15 motorcyclists will depart its corporate headquarters as part of Ace Hardware Foundation’s third annual Motorcycle Miracle Mission.

The mission is made up of Ace employees, vendors and retailer partners, who will ride more than 600 miles to Iowa City, Iowa, and back in an attempt to raise $100,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and build awareness for the organization.

Ace Hardware Foundation is a recent Golden Hammer Award recipient at the 2010 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in the Community Service category for its work with Children’s Miracle Network.

“We’re so proud of this dedicated group of employees and partners who are embarking on the Motorcycle Miracle Mission fundraiser and multi-state ride again this year,” said Jimmy Alexander, Ace’s VP human resources. “The riders’ reward is in knowing they’ve worked to help children gain access to top-notch medical care at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals -- in addition to several great days on the road together.”

During the three-day ride, the motorcyclists will stop at the hardware co-op's distribution center in Princeton, Ill., to collect donations from employees. They will also stop at two Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital in Iowa city to present donations of $10,000.

In addition, Ace is collecting donations at helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=589, where -- as of the writing of this article -- it has already raised 50% of its goal.