Jenny Hubbard: Finding Hope Through the Hurt

by Jun 10, 2024Animals, Community Engagement, Donation Incentive, Fundraising, Our Clients, Podcast, Uses

Charity Charms has always been an organization that focuses on stories of hope, impact, and the great work our clients do daily to improve the world. Our latest episode of The Power of Charms features a special guest, Jenny Hubbard, the founder and president of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary and Foundation.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary and Foundation was born out of tragedy following the loss of Jenny’s daughter Catherine, in the Sandy Hook massacre. Despite the unimaginable grief, Jenny turned her pain into hope and founded the sanctuary just a month after the event. The sanctuary was initially a typographical error in Catherine’s obituary, which led to a meeting with the women running the Animal Center of Newtown. They proposed building an animal sanctuary in Catherine’s memory, a place where children could see their innate beauty reflected in the animals they encountered.

Over the years, we have worked with Jenny to create a series of items that help support their incredible mission and keep Catherine’s memory alive. This year, we are excited to help them create a series of adorable animal charms that will continue this legacy and give the sanctuary’s supporters something new to cherish – along with the memory of knowing they made a difference. The newest additions will be a part of this year’s Butterfly Party. We created custom Caring Cords and Navy Blue Charm Fobs with a selection of animal and symbol charms chosen by Jenny. The Charm Fobs offer additional add-on charms – a unique idea that gives supporters a particular way to honor Catherine, show their support, and create an item that represents their passions.

catherine violet hubbard butterfly party jewelry
catherine violet hubbard butterfly party jewelry

I was so lucky to attend Catherine’s Butterfly Party in Connecticut over the weekend. The event was held on Saturday, June 8th (Catherine’s birthday, and quirkily, mine too!) to celebrate Catherine Violet Hubbard, who perished in the Sandy Hook Massacre. She would have been celebrating her 18th birthday, but instead, over 15,000 people attended her party to honor her and help several hundred animals find furever homes.

In my work with Charity Charms, I am so blessed to witness legacies like Catherine’s and miracles unfold. Jenny Hubbard and her fantastic team have brought meaning and hope to the world. They have built an incredible organization based on kindness and Catherine’s love of animals. An extraordinary treat to honor the day was naming a monarch butterfly the Catherine Butterfly.

Charity Charms has been my passion project for 30 years. This experience reinforced my commitment for the impact we help make in the world, sharing stories and building connections through the power of charms.

Kay

View photos from Catherine's Butterfly Party

Thank you so much for being a part of a remarkable day and for making it feel so special! The bracelets were a massive hit and for all the special recipients of the GivingBands. There is no doubt it will be a very special reminder of a very special day. Thank you again!

Jenny Hubbard

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

Kay sat down with Jenny to discuss how the sanctuary was created out of tragedy, how the sanctuary promotes compassion and acceptance through its educational programs, the upcoming Butterfly Party, how you can support the sanctuary’s mission, and more!

Watch their interview below or click here to listen on Spotify.

About Jenny Hubbard and the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary and Foundation

Jennifer Hubbard is the president of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization promoting compassion and healing through human-animal connection. Founded in 2013 in memory of her daughter Catherine, a Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy victim and avid animal lover, the sanctuary has received 34 acres of farmland, raised nearly $9 million in funding, and gained support from organizations like the ASPCA and Jane Goodall Foundation. Jenny has led initiatives such as a pollinator protection program, free community workshops, and aid for seniors to keep their pets. She has been featured on national news outlets, published a book, and received awards for her work, including The Helen B. Woodward Animal Sanctuary’s 2017 Animal Champion Award. Jenny holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Communications from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and is a mother of two.

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