Fast Five With … Kelly Ediger, Westlake Ace Hardware
We recently sat down with Kelly Ediger, senior manager, marketing and community relations at Westlake Ace Hardware, to talk about the organization’s growing partnership with City of Hope.
Last year, Westlake Ace Hardware chose about 50 Westlake Ace Hardware stores in California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Buikema's Ace Hardware stores in Illinois to participate in a round-up campaign for City of Hope. Signage at all registers encouraged customers to “round up” their purchases. The campaign raised more than $20,000.
Your partnership with City of Hope is growing. How did it start?
Kelly: Ace Retail Holdings has supported City of Hope for decades through its involvement in the National Hardware/Homebuilding Industry (HHI) group. (Ace Retail Holdings owns and operates about 250 Ace Hardware stores across the United States, including the Westlake Ace brand.)
In early 2024, one of Westlake Ace Hardware’s officers encouraged my team to consider doing more for City of Hope. He was on a City of Hope leadership board at the time.
That’s how the round-up campaign came about. It was a great way to shine a light on City of Hope’s vital work. Associates got behind it — especially at a group of Ace Hardware stores in California that were previously Orchard Supply locations. Orchard Supply had been a big City of Hope supporter. So, when we announced the round-up campaign, associates in those stores were very enthusiastic. City of Hope is close to their hearts.
What makes City of Hope an attractive partner?
Kelly: One of the biggest things that attracted Ace to City of Hope was its passion and mission to cure cancer — a disease that has touched nearly everyone somehow, whether through a family member, friend or colleague. Ace also saw an opportunity to bring educational resources to associates and ensure that associates and their families know City of Hope is there as a resource if they ever face a cancer diagnosis.
How does the partnership connect to your brand?
Kelly: People know Ace Hardware as “the helpful place” — we help you find the right tool for a home improvement project or the best annuals for that shady spot in your yard. Our partnership with City of Hope reinforces that message in a totally different way. It demonstrates our commitment to be a helpful community member and a responsible civic partner.
What’s next in your organization’s efforts to support City of Hope?
Kelly: This year, team members at our Southern California stores will participate in Walk for Hope. Walkers are raising money from friends and family, and Ace Retail Holdings will provide sponsorship support for the event, too. The walk is an excellent way for associates to support City of Hope, whether by walking or sponsoring someone who is walking.
What do you hope the partnership accomplishes over time?
Kelly: It’s early in our City of Hope partnership, and we’re excited to keep finding new ways to work together. We want to spread the word to everyone — associates, customers and the communities we serve — that City of Hope is there if they ever need it. While City of Hope’s hospitals aren’t in every community, our partnership helps get their name and mission in front of people nationwide. We want patients and families to know expert care and support are available if they ever need it. People facing a cancer diagnosis will travel great distances for hope and help.
Walk for Hope raises vital funds for cancer research and life-giving cancer treatments at City of Hope. This year, we’re hosting live walks in Greater Chicago and Atlanta (October 4), Phoenix (November 1) and Los Angeles (walks in LA and Orange County on November 2). “Virtual” participants can walk any time.
