Brian Moore is Indiana-born and raised. Though he wasn’t a Riley kid himself, the impact of Riley Children’s Health has been a constant presence in his life, just as it has for many Hoosiers across the state.
“Everyone has a Riley story or at least they know someone where Riley has impacted their lives in some way,” Moore said. For him, it’s his cousin who was diagnosed with cancer as a child, receiving his care at Riley Children’s. That experience shaped Moore into a passionate advocate for Riley.
Today, Moore and his sister co-own the Ace Hardware store in Monticello, Indiana, having taken over the family business in 2024. In addition to running the store, Moore serves as the Central Indiana Ace Hardware Group Leader, bringing together store owners to share resources and coordinate efforts, including fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Riley is the only CMN hospital in Indiana.
“At Ace, we have this saying: ‘We exist to help others,’” Moore said. “A lot of times, we can focus on how we’re helping others in the store and the customer service we’re providing, which is extremely important. But another role of that is how we’re impacting our community.”
That community impact is felt year-round. Ace Hardware supports Riley through initiatives like round-up at the register campaigns and its annual Tree Farm at Riley Hospital for Children. Each December, Riley patients are invited to “cut down” and decorate their four-foot artificial tree to brighten their hospital rooms during the holidays.
One family’s memory of that event stands out to Moore. A Riley dad recently shared how meaningful it was to receive a tree during their hospital stay the first year of the Tree Farm. Moments like that conversation continue to inspire Moore and his colleagues to continue supporting children’s healthcare.
“The hope and joy that the event can bring, even if it’s just getting a tree in the kids' rooms, makes you excited to do it again the next year,” Moore said.
From August 1-3, Ace will host its annual Miracle Bucket Days. Shoppers can purchase a special $5 bucket and receive 20% off almost everything that fits inside. Every bucket sold benefits Riley Children’s Foundation, helping to fund lifesaving care and research for kids in Indiana and beyond.
