Sunshine Ace Hardware, a local family-owned hardware company celebrating 60 years in business, has raised more than $68,000 in support of the Southwest Florida Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Children’s Miracle Network and American Red Cross. A portion of the funds, $60,000, which were raised through Sunshine Ace Hardware’s annual Shamrock program and Reel in the Sunshine fishing expo, were presented to MDA during a special meeting on April 26.

“Over the last 60 years, Sunshine Ace Hardware has been committed to giving back to the community, helping to make our region a better place for everyone,” said Michael Wynn, Sunshine Ace Hardware president. “These three organizations are helping people live the best lives possible, and we are beyond humbled to be able to support their efforts. We are extremely thankful to the community for helping Sunshine Ace Hardware make a difference, and we look forward to being a positive impact in Southwest Florida for many years to come.”

Sunshine Ace Hardware participated in the 36^th annual MDA Shamrock program from Jan. 29 through March 31, helping to raise funds to support adults and children living with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other diseases that severely weaken muscle mobility and strength. Since joining the annual MDA Shamrock program in 2011, Sunshine Ace Hardware has raised $236,000 to support Southwest Florida MDA. The largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program of its kind, the Shamrock program encourages communities to make contributions at local businesses in exchange for paper shamrock pin-ups, raising millions of dollars to help advance MDA’s mission to provide critical resources, support research and provide children with the opportunity to experience MDA Summer Camp at no cost.

Through the continued support of the community, and contributions from its employees and the company itself, Sunshine Ace Hardware also donated more than $3,000 to Children’s Miracle Network, an Ace Corporate charity partner. These funds will help this nonprofit organization provide support to its 170-member children’s hospitals across the U.S., which supports medical research and community awareness of children’s health issues. In addition, Sunshine Ace Hardware also donated more than $4,000 to the American Red Cross, helping to support the not-for-profit organization’s efforts to deliver vital services – from relief and support to those in crisis, to helping communities prepare to respond in emergencies.