One of the top furniture retailers in the country, Darvin Furniture & Mattress has been a trusted member of the Chicagoland community for more than 100 years. Founded in 1920, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary by launching an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), reflecting its commitment to employees, generations of families and a culture of community care.
“Darvin Furniture is a company that cares about community, and City of Hope shares our belief that caring for our community is a collective effort,” says Steven J. Darvin, CEO of Darvin. “The culture of giving and support is core to what we do. And the work at City of Hope has always been impressive and inspirational to us.”
This company ethos — that strong communities are built by investing in people — naturally extends to Darvin’s philanthropic efforts. Going beyond the showroom, through a partnership with City of Hope, Darvin is helping ensure Chicagoland patents and families have access to leading-edge research and lifesaving cancer care.
Using Their Voice to Serve the Community
Using the trust they have built over generations, Darvin is hoping to raise awareness of City of Hope in Chicagoland and help expand access. Darvin recently donated media space, resulting in a sponsored appearance on ABC Channel 7, where Darvin President Will Harris spoke about the lifesaving work of City of Hope. The Darvin team hopes to set an example for other corporations to follow.
“We are genuinely excited to support City of Hope and spread awareness of the lifesaving work they do,” Harris says. “The work is so important, I challenge other companies to find creative ways to get involved.”
The Spark Behind a New Media Approach
Darvin’s recent media support grew out of a visit to City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago, where President Will Harris saw the compassion of the care team firsthand.
“During a tour of City of Hope in downtown Chicago, I saw a doctor rush outside to help a patient who was clearly upset,” Harris says. “I was struck by that compassion and dedication, and later on the tour, we had the chance to meet.”
That doctor was Kevin King, M.D., a radiation oncologist. The encounter helped inspire Darvin’s leadership to broaden its support by amplifying City of Hope’s story. Darvin has continued to deepen that connection, recently inviting Dr. King to speak at an employee banquet and bring City of Hope’s mission directly to its team.
Decades of Support
For more than 20 years, Darvin has been an active member of City of Hope’s International Home Furnishings Industry group. Alongside retailers, manufacturers, reps and suppliers, IHFI has raised nearly $110 million to advance research and treatment for cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases.
Darvin supports IHFI’s annual Spirit of Life® fundraiser and was honored with The Spirit of Life Award in 2023. That year, more than 200 of Darvin’s 300 employees took part, and more than 500 customers donated ahead of the awards dinner, which raised $1.7 million. Darvin also encourages employee giving, including a past Giving Tuesday match, and participates in Walk for Hope.
Extending Care, Close to Home
With locations in downtown Chicago, Lake County, the North Shore, and the West Side, City of Hope is expanding access to advanced cancer care across the region so more patients can receive leading-edge treatment close to home. Philanthropic support helps make it possible to offer therapies and technologies often not available elsewhere, from precision medicine based on a patient’s genetic profile to clinical trials that provide promising new options.
For Darvin, supporting that work is a natural expression of its values.
“We are very fortunate to have been involved with City of Hope for much of our careers,” says Marty Darvin, chairman of the board. “Their outright commitment to delivering the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today makes it easy to support such inspirational work.”
Take the Next Step
Darvin’s partnership with City of Hope is a reminder that supporting City of Hope is not just about advancing medicine. It is about showing up for neighbors, families, and future generations.
To learn more about how you can partner with us to raise awareness of City Hope’s mission in your community, visit our Corporate Philanthropy page or email Loren Boyko at [email protected].