Ace Hardware Surprises Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Colorado Champion

While in Denver, Colo. for its annual retailer convention, Ace Hardware surprised Ayla Charness, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Colorado Champion, with a complete bedroom makeover. Led by Ace Hardware’s home expert, Lou Manfredini, with hands-on support from neighboring retailers—Ralston Ace Hardware and Ace Hardware at Westwoods—and donations from American Furniture Warehouse, Essco Carpets and CertaPro painters of Arvada, Ace transformed Ayla’s bedroom from floor to ceiling, featuring Clark+Kensington, Ace’s new premium line of paint + primer in one.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ace’s support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and in celebration of this milestone, Ace is participating in the charity’s annual Champions program. This initiative selects one child from each state with an extraordinary medical history to serve as an ambassador for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. Ayla Charness was chosen as this year’s Colorado representative. After a minor playground accident caused severe bruising at the age of three, Ayla was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Since her diagnosis, Ayla faces the challenges of her disease with maturity, empathy, and patience and is a strong advocate for the kids in her community who are confronting the same challenges she experiences on a daily basis. 

The team of neighborhood experts gathered at her home and surprised her family with the announcement of the upcoming makeover. Over the course of two days the volunteers worked to transform her bedroom into a little girl’s dream retreat, complete with new Clark+Kensington painted walls, carpeting, furniture and accessories. Her little sister Amanda also received a bedroom transformation thanks to Clark+Kensington and their adjoining bathroom was made over with a new tiled floor, a fresh coat of paint and bathroom accessories.