On June 7, 2015, Clays’ Ace Hardware, a locally owned and operated Ace Hardware store in Fort Collins, Colo., hosted the 3rd annual competition, Grill Your Ace Off, with local restaurant chefs grilling up tasty samples for the community and raising money for The Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County. The public cast their votes for the best food with a $1.00 donation, and this year, Outback Steakhouse proved to be “ace” at the grill. The event raised a total of $1,000 for the Boys and Girls Club, which provides services to nearly 600 children and youth in our community.
Competition at the grills was tough with some of the best chefs in our community passing out delicious BBQ, roasted vegetables, sliders and other signature plates. Outback Steakhouse, which served bacon wrapped shrimp, BBQ ribs, and grilled asparagus received the most votes with Taps Sports Bar and Grill and Mulligan’s Pub coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Ryan’s Sports Grill, Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar, and 5280 Culinary Spices also stepped up to the grill in this fundraising challenge.
“We are truly honored and grateful to Clays’ Ace Hardware for their dedication and generosity in supporting the youth of our community,” said Kathy Wright, executive director of the BGCLC. Wright says the money will go directly towards summer programming activities at the five Clubs.
Clays’ Ace Hardware is part of the 150 Rocky Mountain Ace Stores throughout Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico that work together to enhance their helpful service and community involvement through fundraising events such as The Grill Your Ace Off competition. About 300 people attended this event.
“On behalf of Clays’ Ace Hardware, I want to thank all six chefs for coming to our event and helping us make a difference in the lives of the children in our community,” said Lisa Clay, owner of Clays’ Ace Hardware. “We were thrilled that so many people came to our event and donated generously.”
About Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County is to enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This summer, BGCLC is operating five Clubs. It is the second year in Estes Park and the first year with a satellite site at Winona Elementary School in Loveland. The other three are our permanent locations are in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Wellington. The first day of summer programming on June 2 had a record-breaking 580 children and youth attend!
About Clays’ Ace Hardware
Located in south Fort Collins, Clays’ Ace Hardware is family owned and operated. Clays’ has a strong commitment to the community and in addition to their promotion of The Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County; they have sponsored Foothills Gateway, The Larimer County Food Bank, The Gardens on Spring Creek, and various other non-profits, scouts and churches.
For additional information about Clays’ Ace Hardware, visit www.claysacehardware.com.