Dwight Howard has been named the May Ace Hardware “Helpful Player of the Month” for his willingness to give back to the community. Howard, in conjunction with adidas, helped Orange Center Elementary students get a step ahead on April 10, 2008. In a surprise presentation, 398 students from the school received shoes provided by Howard and adidas for their hard work towards improving their FCATs, and Howard spoke to the children on the importance of never giving up, working hard and setting goals.

Ace Hardware, in conjunction with the Orlando Magic, will honor one Magic player each month during the 2007-08 season as the Ace Hardware “Helpful Player of the Month.” Each selection will be based on their dedication to the Central Florida community and will exemplify Ace’s vision as “The Helpful Place.”

Howard has been active in the community all year long, also taking home the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award at the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Black Tie & Tennis Charity Gala in late March for his time dedicated off the basketball court. As the recipient of the award, Howard was granted $50,000 from the Rich and Helen DeVos Foundation that he will give to the charity of his choice later this year.

About Ace Hardware
Throughout its 84-year history, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store by both customers and communities. With 4,600 hardware, home center and building materials stores that generate annual retail sales of more than $12 billion, Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. and its retailers’ stores are located in all 50 states and 60 countries. More information about Ace can be found at www.acehardware.com.