Sink or Swim, Retailer Aims to Raise Over $1 Million for CMN

Having never picked up a paddle before, Ryan Clouse will go the mile–120 miles to be exact–in a canoe to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Ryan, owner and operator of Clouse Family Ace Hardware’s and Roger’s Family Foods stores, will be competing in the AuSable River Canoe Marathon in July 2026, collecting pledges to benefit four CMN Hospitals across the area his chain already fundraises for.

“I’ve only been in a kayak twice before and never a canoe, but I’ve known a lot of people who completed the race, and I caught that race fever,” Ryan says. “It takes over 15 hours of nonstop paddling. It’s one of the toughest canoe races in North America. But next year, I’m not just racing for the finish line, I’m racing for something bigger—for those voices too small to hear.”

Ryan is looking for people to sponsor his race for $120—$1 per mile of the race—with 100% of the proceeds going to CMN Hospitals. Ryan has already fully funded his race, so every dollar from sponsors will go straight to CMN Hospitals.

“If I can get 10,000 sponsors, that can turn one canoe race into a $1.2 million wave of change,” Ryan says. “It starts with a single paddle, and I’m looking for those who can help me go the distance for CMN Hospitals.”

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a grueling, nonstop 120-mile canoe race starting in Grayling, Michigan, and ending in Oscoda, Michigan. Dubbing his journey the “120 Miracle Miles,” Ryan aims to not just raise money but awareness for CMN, a worthy cause that is supported by Ace Hardware stores across the U.S. with round-up campaigns, bucket sales and other events throughout the year. 

As co-owner and operator of his family’s 23-store chain of Ace Hardware stores, Ryan is familiar with the work CMN does. He also has a much more personal connection; his daughter Kinsley was treated at Helen De Vos Hospital, a CMN Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She had a benign tumor removed from inside the bone of her hand when she was only 4 years old and then had to have the same tumor removed again just a year later.  

“I’m forever grateful for what they did for my family, and my heart and prayers goes to those receiving care from these great hospitals,” Ryan says. “I am forever in their debt.”

Ryan is also deeply connected to the AuSable Marathon. In June 2021, Ryan married Sarah Curley, the great granddaughter of Harry Curley. Harry was an avid racer and integral race organizer, so much so that the Michigan State Legislator named him Mr. AuSable Canoe Race. 

Harry’s passion fueled generations to come, including his son Gerald Curley, who finished the marathon in 8th place in 1952 but tragically drowned in Lake Huron training for the marathon in 1953. To honor the Curley and many other family’s contributions to the race, the Canoer’s Memorial was built along River Road in Oscoda in memory of their passion and dedication.

Since marrying Sarah, Ryan has attended race events, sponsored canoers and started building his own dream of paddling the brutal race. In July 2025, the team he sponsored included his son-in-law Logan, and the experience increased his desire to do the race himself.

After he decided to train for the race, Ryan wanted the experience to go beyond himself. 

“I needed a driving force for my why,” Ryan says. “At that time, my family and I were building displays for CMN Hospital fundraisers. Then, like a rush of water plowing into me, I found my calling. I was going to race the marathon and find sponsors to raise money for CMN.”

With more than 7 months to go until the race, Ryan’s dedication to the cause is already evident. Ryan has been paddling 2 to 3 times a week and working out daily to physically prepare for the race. He is working to set up a direct print-and-ship store through Shopify to raise money in apparel sales and will also order hats, shirts and wristbands to sell at all of his operation’s store locations. Ryan has purchased a web domain and set up a platform for supporters at 120miraclemiles.com to fundraise for CMN.

“My first order of supplies included two crosses to wear,” Ryan says. “The first cross reminds me to pray for the determination, drive and all-out grit to train and complete this brutal overnight 15-plus hour marathon. The second cross is to pray that this idea to raise money for CMN in an amount that truly makes a huge difference actually works.”

The largest event donation to CMN came in 2024—$1.2 million—and Ryan aims to become the single largest event donor in 2026.

“With the power of social media, local hardware’s impact in their local communities and the many businesses and people with generous hearts, I believe my goal is possible,” Ryan says. “And with God, all things are possible.”

Lyrics from the Shinedown song “Daylight” will be Ryan’s mantra: Have faith that you’re not alone.

“These words will be on T-shirts, wrist bands and hopefully the chant I’ll say as I cross the finish line,” Ryan says. “I want those young patients and their parents to know there are others supporting them through their battles, because I was one of them, terrified for my daughter’s well-being. When we come together, we can support and positively impact God’s most precious gift of children.”

You can follow along the journey at facebook.com/120miraclemiles.