Grillin' and washin' for children at Jarms

Jarms Ace Hardware is planning a little grilling, a little washing and a little jamming this Saturday, Aug. 8, to help fund the needs of local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in Spokane.

The long-time Cheney hardware store invites area residents to take part in its “Grillin’ Our Ace Off for Children’s Miracle Network” event from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Store staff and volunteers will be providing smoked pork shoulder samples along with hot dogs prepared on Ace barbecue grills and smokers.

Event organizer Lyndsey Wood said local high school students have volunteered to help by providing the muscle to wash cars, while the jazz band “The Sch-mediums,” consisting of former Cheney High School musicians, will be providing the musical entertainment.

“They’re all very talented,” Wood said.

Ace is one of several national corporations partnering with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, which in Spokane are part of Providence Health and Services: Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children’s Hospital along with Holy Family Hospital. Also partnering with Children’s Miracle Network are Arby’s, Costco, Walmart, Rite Aid and Credit Unions for Children nationally, while locally the Spokane Chiefs hockey team and Umpqua Bank are involved.

Wood said all proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to the local hospitals to help provide equipment, resources for families that must stay overnight in order while a child is in the hospital, and red wagons, which are used instead of wheelchairs and can be expensive.

“We’re hoping to be able to get one (red wagon) by the end of the year,” she said.

Ace asks that each hardware outlet provide someone to be the person in charge of fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network. As that volunteer, Wood said she has seen the need firsthand, having been to the hospital and met with children using the facilities.

“It is a really great cause,” she added.

Wood said Jarms is planning another fundraiser for Labor Day weekend. Customers taking part in the “bucket sale” can purchase a bucket for $5, with those proceeds going to Children’s Miracle Network. Customers then receive 20 percent any items they purchase placed in the bucket.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.