Founder // Hope’s Chest Fashion Show for Cope Family Center
Philanthropy in Napa Valley
After a thirty-year career in banking, Iren Jenny followed her passion for customer service and fashion and founded Hope’s Chest with the goal of promoting, selling, and preserving for future generations vintage heirlooms, jewelry, and antiques. Named after her granddaughter, Jenny’s small business soon became a player in the Napa Valley philanthropy arena when she decided to add a charitable aspect. “On a regular basis, I donate a portion of all of my earnings to Cope Family Center and I volunteer for them whenever I can,” said Jenny, who also donates to and supports Cope auctions and fundraising efforts. Her allegiance to Cope (whose mission is to empower parents, nurture children, and help struggling families) was sparked by a long ago tragic community event. “It really shook my world that within miles of this paradise in which we live that something so vile could happen,” said Jenny. “Recognizing that no one decides to be a bad parent but that some lose their way, I decided that maybe in a very small way I could get involved.” Jenny has served as a celebrity waiter at the agency’s annual fundraiser; after the 2017 fires, she collected funds and gift certificates from family and friends for distribution to Cope’s most vulnerable clients. And she created the annual Hope’s Chest Fashion Show for Cope Family Center for which she opens her home and donates all door proceeds and a portion of sales. When approached for an interview for this profile, Jenny demurred, “I am just a small business owner that contributes a small but constant portion of my earnings to a chosen charity.” Every little bit helps.
Article By: Fran Miller
