Demostrating a continued commitment to the community, Ace Hardware will be hosting their fifth annual Miracle on the Mountain charity event in Aspen, January 7-11, 2010. 

Money raised will go directly to Children's Miracle Network and The Children's Hospital in Denver, benefiting kids from across the Rocky Mountain Region- kids like Shan Donnelly, the event ambassador for 2010.

Event Ambassador Shan Donnelly's story-

On April 20, 2009, Bryan and Kelly Donnelly welcomed identical twin sons Shan Alexander (and Nathan Frederick to the world. Born at Aspen Valley Hospital and weighing in at 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 6 lbs. 10 oz. respectively, the two boys were a healthy pair and seemed ready to take on the world.

It was only a short five weeks later however, that Shan developed a persistent and high fever that put the Donnelly’s new parenting skills to the test. Kelly did not hesitate to call the doctor since the fever wouldn’t subside and Shan’s appetite ceased. This prompted Kelly to bring their infant son to the emergency room in Aspen. The doctor ran a battery of tests and was extremely concerned when she saw that Shan's spinal fluid was cloudy. She could only speculate what was going on and immediately put Shan on antibiotics. The decision was then made that the best care for a five week old in this condition would be at The Children’s Hospital in Denver.

Kelly, along with five week old Shan, was transported to The Children’s Hospital via the Flight for Life helicopter the very next day. Shan spent a total of 21 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on IV antibiotics to treat Spinal Meningitis.
 

The Donnelly’s attributed their son’s recovery to the world‐class care and support they received from the doctors and nurses at The Children’s Hospital.  While it was a difficult time for Bryan and Kelly, Shan is now 100% healthy and will have no recollection of this life‐threatening bout.  
  

 "It's the life saving stories from children like Shan that inspires us to do what we do," said Vicki Peterson. owner for four Ace Hardware stores in Colorado's Western Slope and chairwoman of the Miracle on the Mountain planning committee.

Numerous members of the Ace Hardware Family, representing stores from all over the United States will convene in Snowmass for this five day event. Money was raised through vendor sponsorships, slient auction and event participation fees. 

Consumers interested in supporting Children's Miracle Network can purchase $1 heart shaped icons at participating Ace Hardware stores January 15th- February 15th. All of the proceeds from the icon sales will be donated to Children's Miracle Network.

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving lives of children by raising funds for Children's hospitals across North America. In addition to the support provided by Front Range Ace Hardware Stores, Ace also ranks in the top 10 of all Children's Miracle Network corporate sponsors nationally.