Local business owner bikes to support children’s hospitals
August 20, 2008
Owner of Karsten’s Ace Hardware participates in his fourth Ace “Tour de Kids” charity ride
CAVE CREEK – David Karsten, owner of Karsten Ace Hardware stores in Carefree, Cave Creek and Goodyear, is participating in his fourth consecutive Ace “Tour de Kids” charity bike ride in September.
Karsten will represent valley Ace Hardware stores as one of the 100 “Helpful Riders,” biking 340 miles from Oak Brook, Ill. to St. Louis, Mo. The ride will include four stops at Children’s Hospitals along the way, where they will be given tours of the facilities.
With help from valley Ace Hardware store owners and the local community, Karsten hopes to raise more than $10,000 for this years ride. The past three charity rides, Karsten alone has raised $25,000 to support Children’s Miracle Network.
“Many of the children who benefit from our ride can’t ride for themselves, so this is my way of making a difference in their lives,” said Karsten. “Participating in this event is a constant reminder of my two children and how fortunate they are to be able to ride their bikes with friends.”
In addition to participating in the annual Ace “Tour de Kids”, Karsten is active in his local community. He is a board member for the Carefree and Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and a president-elect for the Desert Ridge Kiwanis Club. Karsten and his son are also members of Boy Scouts of Troop 603 in Cave Creek.
“I am fortunate to be part of the incredible Ace Hardware family and together we are dedicated to giving back to the local community we serve,” said Karsten.
Since 2004, more than $180,000 has been raised for Phoenix Children’s Hospitals, by the 60 individually owned Ace Hardware stores across the Valley, along with the Ace Retailer Support Center in Prescott Valley.
To support David Karsten and Ace “Tour de Kids,” you can donate at any local Ace Hardware store, or visit, www.kidsmiracles.org.
Community Health and Safety program to be held at DLF
On Saturday, Aug. 30
CAVE CREEK – The Desert Foothills Library will be the setting for a Health and Safety Event on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives of Rural/Metro Fire Department and Maricopa Department of Public Health will be on hand to check child car seats and do blood pressure readings. There will also be a raffle of booster car seats and distribution of Rural/Metro fire and paramedics information.
"This will be a way to make the community aware of Rural/Metro, Maricopa Department of Public Health and the Desert Foothills Library," says Anthony Miller, Rural/Metro Community Representative. "It will be a great community event." Adults and children will benefit from this important program.
The Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd. in Cave Creek. For more information call (480) 488-2286.