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HOPE CHEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S) July 2009
Q. How prevalent is breast cancer in the United States?
A. Breast cancer incidence in women is 1 in 8 (13%) over a lifetime.
Q. How does breast cancer compare to other cancers that women experience?
A. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. 1 in 4 cancers are breast cancer.
Q. Are there more survivors now due to improved care and early detection?
A. Yes! As of 2008, there are about 2.5 million women in the U.S. who have survived breast cancer.
Q. Do men get breast cancer?
A. Yes, however, less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases occur in men.
Q. How was Hope Chest for Breast Cancer established?
A. Our founder and CEO, Barbara Hensley, lost her two sisters to breast cancer. After having a preventive mastectomy to avoid their same fate, she determined she would leave the corporate world and start a non-profit to help underserved women who were struggling through this difficult time in their lives.
Q. What makes Hope Chest for Breast Cancer different from other breast cancer charities?
A. Hope Chest for Breast Cancer raises funds that go directly to women and their families through a) the delivery of nutritional meals, b) education and outreach on the importance of screening and early detection, and c) emergency funds for underserved women in treatment for breast cancer who are unable to work. The money raised in a community (i.e. Twin Cities, stays in that community)
Q. How does Hope Chest for Breast Cancer get the funds directly to these women?
A. To ensure efficiency and judicious use of funds, the Hope Chest establishes Hope Chest programs with several existing organizations that are uniquely established to address specific needs (i.e., nutritional meals, emergency funds, etc).
Q. Why shouldn’t I give my donations directly to those other organizations?
A. Hope Chest for Breast Cancer has the capability to bring resources together to address the needs of women experiencing breast cancer. Rather than replicating complex infrastructures, we choose to fund them through our annual grant process to ensure funds and services get directly to the underserved women in our community.
Q. How much money has Hope Chest donated to women experiencing breast cancer?
A. Since 2004, we have donated ~$750,000.
Q. What percentage of funds goes directly to the women requiring support as compared to functional expenses?
A. Over 74% of the funds go to Hope Chest programs.
Q. Does Hope Chest for Breast Cancer operate outside of Minnesota?
A. We have a long-range strategic plan to establish Hope Chest stores and advisory teams across the United States. We currently have two stores in the Twin Cites in Minnesota.
Q. What relationship do the Hope Chest Retail Stores have with the foundation and fundraising for women in need?
A. In our unique business model the stores partner with the Foundation by providing all of the resources, leadership and labor required to turn the donated items into money that can be utilized by the foundation. As the designer women’s clothing, upscale furniture and accessories are sold a percentage of revenue goes directly to the foundation.
Q. Why would I want to shop at the Hope Chest Retail Stores?
A. Our mantra says it all: Excellent quality, excellent buys…all for an Excellent Cause! And in addition you are
helping the environment by re-purposing items.
Q. Besides the Retail Stores, how does the Foundation raise critical funds?
A. We have four major fundraisers each year: The Galleria Fashion Show in May, our Putt for the Pink Golf Tournament in June, and our Denim & Diamonds Gala in October and our annual “Year of Hope” Calendar. In addition there are many smaller events and promotions.
Q. How can I get involved in supporting Hope Chest for Breast Cancer?
A. There are many volunteer opportunities with Hope Chest, including our fundraisers, helping out in the stores, or helping out in the foundation offices. You can also help us out by making a financial donation or donating furniture, clothing or accessories. Check out our website for opportunities at www.hopechest.us or contact us at 952-471-8700.
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