Local Hardware Store Raising Money for Japan

announced a fund-raising campaign Monday for the American Red Cross – Japan Relief.  The company, which will match customer donations made during checkout, and set its goal at $50,000.

“We started late Saturday, and collected $400 in three hours. Sunday, in spite of rain, an additional $550 was donated," owner Gene Pedrotti said in a statement released late Sunday afternoon. "One customer even stated that he would return with a $500 check shortly. This is truly a humbling experience. In the face of a horrific event, it is gratifying to see the community rise to this level of support.”

The company began the Pedrotti Hardware Charitable Trust earlier this year, with the goal of giving back to the community at the local, national and global level. Using the slogan Be Helpful – Join Ace  — Make the World a  Better Place, Pedrotti is organizing his Bay Area Ace Hardware colleagues to extend this aid campaign to their communities.