Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher B. Hope.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hearing the stories firsthand from families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital about their struggles outside of their child getting treated for cancer was an eye-opener for me. Watching a mom in tears while on the phone with a mortgage company being told her home was going to be taken from her was heartbreaking for me.
After some friends and I pitched in to help save their home, it was then I had the desire to help more families. Listening to various needs from gas cards to mortgage and car payments, I wanted to make a difference in these families lives to ease some of their burdens while their child was fighting for their lives. Thanks to the support of friends who have watched the Chris Hope Foundation grow over the past six and a half years, we have been able to assist hundreds of families.
Special programs have been created to help in specific areas that include granting wishes for kids in end-of-life care, scholarships, and temporary housing. It has been quite a blessing to be able to be a blessing for others. I’m thankful for being the chosen one He wanted to take on this mission.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say it has been more of a learning experience. Literally learning on the fly because I had NO knowledge of how to run a nonprofit organization, fundraising, branding… none of it. Surrounding yourself with people in areas where you are weak is the key! It’s a nonstop deal.
Your mind is on ways to grow, plan, and advocate is a 24-hour thing. When you have a strong passion for what you do, you breathe it constantly. If there were to be a struggle, it would be getting funding to do what you do. There are a million ways to start relationships for sponsorships and partnerships that you try to come up with ways to get your name out and get others to believe in what you do to support you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked at UPS for 34 years. At 1:30 am, I drive a tractor truck with double trailers a few miles short of the Texas line to meet a driver from Dallas. We switch loads and I head back. I love my job. I serve the Dallas and Memphis communities with this occupation. After my day on the road, I switch over to my CHF world.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be patient! You will deal with a LOT of frustration. It takes time to build your brand. You have to keep at it and don’t stop! It’s your baby, so don’t expect others to have the same grind you do.
I wish I knew it would be so tiring! I knew the road to success would take a lot of work but didn’t know there was no end time.
Contact Info:
- Email: chris@chrishopefoundation.org
- Website: www.chrishopefoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishopefoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrishopefoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8V2-M7aTM-tk4Lrd694MQ
Image Credits
Linda White
