When is a mirror more than a mirror? When an enterprising City of Hope® volunteer creates it to raise money for cancer research.
City of Hope was there for Molly Mays during the most heartbreaking time of her life. When the opportunity arose to give back, she ran with it. The result? A specially designed mirror that’s so much more than a mirror.
Tell us about your personal connection to City of Hope.
Molly: About three years ago, my dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Dad’s local care team provided a treatment plan, but they were slow to respond to our questions. I reached out to a colleague who served in a leadership role at City of Hope. He made a call, and the next day, I was on the phone with a kidney cancer specialist named Sumanta Kumar Pal, M.D. Dr. Pal took the time to review my dad’s medical records and imaging scans. He reassured me we were on the right path and doing all we could.
It turned out that my dad was too ill to receive cancer treatment, and he passed away about six weeks after his diagnosis. Dad was my whole heart — I loved him so much. It meant the world to me and my mom that someone at City of Hope cared enough to talk to me. Today, I feel that the best way to honor my dad and his memory is to try and do good.
How did the Sea Coral Mirror come about?
Molly: I work for Uttermost, which provides products and services to home-furnishing retailers and interior designers worldwide. We are one of many companies that support City of Hope through the International Home Furnishings Industry Group (IHFI). IHFI hosts two major fundraising events for City of Hope each year. I’ve participated in those events since joining Uttermost in 2022.
About a year after my dad died, Uttermost was looking for a unique way to partner with City of Hope. I came up with the crazy idea of creating a specialty mirror. All proceeds would benefit breast cancer research at City of Hope.
The folks at Uttermost got on board right away. We started with an existing frame that was already a top seller for us. I chose the shade of pink for the mirror and worked with our design and production teams to bring the mirror to life.
We unveiled the Sea Coral Mirror in October 2023 during High Point Market, the world’s largest home industry trade show. Uttermost displayed the mirror beautifully in our showroom and hosted a champagne reception. Our owner, Mac Cooper, and Loren Boyko from City of Hope, spoke.
What does it mean to you that you can support City of Hope through your creative talents?
Molly: It means everything to me that I can give back in a creative way! I think it speaks to who I am and what Uttermost is as a company. I feel like I am making a difference with the talents that God gave me to honor my dad, co-workers, extended family members and others.
My dad’s involvement as a Rotarian and his dedication to serving others influenced my life greatly. He helped me understand that there is only good when you give of yourself to others. I like to think he would be really proud of me for this mirror project.
What has been the customer response to the mirror?
Molly: Very positive! We sold more than 400 mirrors in the first year, and sales are still going strong. I bought a mirror for my powder room at home — I just love it. Pink is my signature color. If I’m not wearing pink, my friends ask if I feel all right.
What do you hope sales of the mirror will achieve?
Molly: Three things. One, raise significant funds to support City of Hope research and treatment programs. Two, promote awareness of City of Hope and motivate others to volunteer, donate and even refer others for treatment if needed. Three, inspire other companies and brands within the home furnishings industry and other industries to participate in creative fundraising opportunities.
What do you want people to know about City of Hope?
Molly: I want people to know that City of Hope will take care of them, their families and their friends in a time of need. The staff humanizes what can be a very scientific diagnosis. Oftentimes, that means just as much as the medical treatment itself.
Why are you committed to volunteering for City of Hope?
Molly: Volunteering allows me to continue celebrating my dad’s life and legacy by honoring the people and the organization that helped him. Dr. Pal jumped in immediately in the midst of a devastating diagnosis and provided the information we needed quickly and with kindness. That speaks volumes about City of Hope.
The Sea Coral Mirror is not available in stores, but you can locate a dealer online. 100% of Sea Coral Mirror sales profits benefit breast cancer research at City of Hope.
“I feel like I am making a difference with the talents that God gave me to honor my dad, co-workers, extended family members and others.” — Molly Mays