Mary Waggoner knows first hand the “wonderful and world-class” work happening at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Waggoner’s daughter, Ruby, had emergency neurosurgery at CHP in 2016, and another in 2017. The positive experience the family had with the hospital prompted a fundraising effort for the hospital through Children’s Miracle Network.

Mary Waggoner is a co-owner of Ace Hardware of Butler, where donations have been collected. She’s also hosted raffles, car cruises and other fundraising events.

So far, the result for 2023 is $29,522.44 raised for the hospital, making it seventh in the country for fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network.

If Waggoner’s campaign to stay among the top 10 fundraisers through Dec. 31 holds, Duracell will donate an additional $10,000 to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Wagonner and her fundraising cohort finished 7th in the nation last year, and Duracell made the $10,000 donation on Wagonner’s haul of $42,997.22 for the hospital.

She said while funds are raised year round, it’s important in the final stretch of the year to keep donations coming to guarantee another top 10 finish, thus ensuring the Duracell donation.

Donations are accepted at the store, or checks can be mailed to the store at Ace Hardware, 260 Greater Butler Mart, Butler, PA 16001. Credit card donations can be taken over the phone at 724-256-8665.