Oak Brook, Ill.,
04
April
2017
|
11:03 AM
America/Chicago

Ace Hardware honors Atlanta child for helpful spirit

Ace Hardware hosted its annual Spring Convention and Exhibits at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta March 16-18, 2017.

On Thursday, March 16, representatives from the Ace Hardware Foundation invited the family of local Atlanta child, Jerry Hatcher Jr., to stop by the Ace Hardware Convention for a special surprise.

“Do you know why we invited you here today?” said Christine Doucet, manager of the Ace Foundation.

“Well, no,” replied 12-year-old Hatcher Jr., who looked shyly around at dozens of on-lookers, curious to know what was about to transpire.

Doucet went on to share with Hatcher Jr. that his helpful acts of kindness caught the eye of the folks at the ‘Helpful Hardware Place,’ and that Ace wanted to honor him for his good deeds.

Hatcher Jr., a seventh-grader, made headlines last year when local and national news outlets heard that he had saved up his weekly allowance for a year to buy meals for families spending their holidays in Atlanta’s children’s hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Hatcher Jr. was inspired to start this wonderful gesture of goodwill after his little brother, Javier, had to spend time in the hospital.

The team at Ace Hardware presented Hatcher Jr. with a special “You Rock,” award and surprised him by presenting a check for $5,000 that will be made to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in his name. He covered his mouth in shock and held back tears as he gracefully accepted the recognition.

“He’s just a good kid,” said his dad Jerry Hatcher. “Every penny he earns or receives, he wants to give back to someone in need. He’s got a heart of gold.”

Nationally, the Ace Hardware Foundation supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2016, Ace stores across the country raised more than $10 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

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