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Hope Chest founder
Barbara Hensley
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for Breast Cancer
by SUSAN PALMQUIST
When Barbara Hensley decided to
leave her corporate job in 2001, retirement was the furthest
thing from her mind. Hensley, of Shakopee, Minn. (pop.
20,568), had lost two sisters to breast cancer and her plan was
to help others with the disease.
Using marketing experience she’d gained while working as
an executive for various companies, Hensley decided to help
raise money for breast cancer programs while enabling other
women to become what she calls “social entrepreneurs.”
“I carefully researched other foundations and decided the
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The Hope Chest store in Orono, Minn., raiaes money to fight breast cancer.
best way to raise money was to open stores where women could be
successful entrepreneurs and at the same time they would be able
to give back to their community," says Hensley, 58.
So she asked companies and individuals to donate overstocked
and used items to sell in an upscale store. The result was a non
profit foundation named Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and a for
profit retail store called Hope Chest, which opened in November
2002 in Orono, Minn. (pop. 7,538), and has contributed more
than $150,000 to breast cancer causes.
What sets the 6,000-square-foot Hope Chest store apart from
other stores is that each day customers can find something differ
ent among the merchandise, from a sterling silver tea set and ornate
wooden frames, to an 1890 s oak table and high-end clothing.
Julie Riff, one of 200 Hope Chest volunteers, says Hensley is
an inspiration. "Barbara is incredibly dedicated to the Hope Chest
mission,” Riff says. “She’s always positive and sincere and has cre
ated a great place to work. I think her work ethic and unflagging
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Childhood photos of Hensley and her
late sisters decorate a store counter.
specific purpose, Hope Chest donates money to four different
areas—research, hospice care, financial support to those with
breast cancer and programs for early detection.
Hensley believes that helping people with breast cancer meet
financial burdens, such as paying medical bills and living
expenses, is crucial. “When both my sisters were going through
treatment, I got to meet women who sometimes had to put off
taking chemotherapy because they had inadequate or no insur
ance,” she says.
Financial aid given by Hope Chest often means a breast cancer
patient can buy food or even pay rent. One example is a dona
tion to the Western Communities Action Network, a social
service center that aids low-income families, in Mound, Minn,
(pop. 9,435).
“We had one client who was a single mom and taking chemo
therapy,” says Jessie Billiet, a family advocate with the network.
“She needed some help paying her mortgage, so we contacted
enthusiasm and graciousness
have inspired me the most.”
Kari Berscheit, a breast
cancer survivor, also vol
unteers at the Hope Chest
store. “I always enjoy work
ing there and I can’t believe
all these items are donat
ed,” Berscheit says. “I just
love Barbara.”
While many cancer char
ities raise money for one
Page 12
•American Profile