HOPE CHEST FOR BREAST CANCER

Founded in 2001, the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer has one simple goal: to help eliminate breast cancer. Through a unique retail shop that sells upscale donated items and through a variety of creative and engaging special events, Hope Chest raises money to fund breast cancer research, early detection and treatment programs, and hospice care.  At Hope Chest, a special emphasis is placed on helping people who are battling breast cancer with inadequate or no health insurance.

The Hope Chest has 2 stores located in the Twin Cities.  The original is in Orono/Navarre in the western suburbs of Minneapolis and the second store opened in St. Paul in June 2006 near Snelling and I-94.  The Hope Chest Retail Shops are open seven days a week and sell designer-quality clothing and accessories, as well as upscale furniture and home decor accessories.  Since all of the merchandise in the store – from wedding dresses to end tables – is donated from individuals or corporations, Hope Chest is able to sell items at a fraction of the cost and donate a percentage of revenue to various breast cancer organizations through the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation.

In addition to the stores, Hope Chest hosts a variety of special events to raise money for the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation and bring people together in support of a worthy cause. Barbara Hensley, the founder of Hope Chest, coins these events as “socially conscious entertaining.” Individuals, corporations, small business leaders, authors, jewelry and clothing designers and local celebrities arrange parties, book signings, educational sessions and other fun, creative events in support of Hope Chest. Some of the events have included a “Domestic Diva Party” with a Minnesota-based home décor and entertainment guru, a book signing with local authors, a wine and cheese party for the advertisers at the Star Tribune, a garden party to celebrate a survivor’s 10-year anniversary and many others.

Hope Chest has contributed ~$500,000 to local breast cancer related causes in its first 4 years.   Now with the new store that opened in St. Paul ultimately, Hope Chest is in the process of franchising the shops nationwide. Over the next five years the goal is to open 50 franchise locations and once they are operational contribute $10 million annually for breast cancer causes.