VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.– Chartway Credit Union and its charitable arm, the Chartway Promise Foundation, wrapped a month of awareness, fundraising, and hands-on support for medically fragile children, called Promise Heroes, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Marking its 20th anniversary, the foundation’s September highlights included annual signature events — the Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament and A Night for Hope fundraiser — along with Wish and Dream Reveals, team member volunteer service projects, and partner-powered experiences across Chartway’s Virginia, Texas, and Utah communities.
Thanks to the generosity of members, partners, and supporters, the foundation surpassed its fundraising goal of $250,000 and raised $275,000, putting the foundation on the path to another year of exceeding $1 million in funds raised, the credit union said.
The money raised will help charity partners provide even more memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles to Promise Heroes and their families.
“Every September, we focus on the children and families facing this arduous journey and want to support them at each step along the way. The foundation is about standing with these courageous heroes and giving them and their families the support and knowledge that they are not fighting alone,” Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation, said in a statement. “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re especially grateful to the partners, supporters, and volunteers who make it possible to create joyful, memorable experiences when they’re needed most.”
“At Chartway, purpose shows up in meaningful moments,” Brian Schools, president & CEO of Chartway Credit Union, said in a statement. “From race-day reveals to backyard builds and evening events, our community came together to uplift children and their families. We are honored to make a difference and deliver unforgettable experiences made possible by the support and dedication of our members, partners, and team.”
At A Night for Hope: Roaring 20th Anniversary Celebration on September 28, charity partners and community members gathered at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center for a 1920’s-themed evening of cocktails, tastings, music, silent auctions, gaming tables, and family testimonials.
Program highlights included a special video featuring Promise Heroes from over the years and remarks from Chartway leaders, followed by a special appearance by the foundation’s very first Promise Hero, Julie Dixon Bradshaw, who recovered as a child from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She reflected on her experience two decades ago.
“My Wish was to go to Disney World to see Cinderella, but not her evil stepsisters and they made it happen,” said Julie. “I don’t’ remember any of the bad stuff from that time, thanks to Chartway Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish.”
On Sept. 29, the 26th Annual Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament at Broad Bay Country Club in Virginia Beach, Va. featured a surprise Dream Reveal with charity partner Toby’s Dream Foundation. Four-year-old Alexander “Zan” – who is in his third year of remission from liver cancer – and his family learned they will embark on a dream trip to Walt Disney World in October. The surprise set the tone for a day on the links in support of Promise Heroes and capped off the foundation’s successful awareness and fundraising campaign.
“Seeing Zan’s reaction was unforgettable,” said Heather, Zan’s mom. “His face just lit up because his dream trip gives us something we haven’t had in a long time — time together as a family to laugh, relax, and just be in the moment. This is a reminder that we’re not alone — there’s a whole community lifting us up and giving us hope.”
September Highlights
In all, the foundation fulfilled the wishes and dreams of six for Promise Heroes across its markets, working alongside partners including Best Seat in the House, Hooked on Hope VB, Intermountain Health, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, Roc Solid Foundation, and Toby’s Dream Foundation:
Since 2005, the Chartway Promise Foundation has granted $16 million that directly supports impactful programming for medically fragile children through the foundation’s more than 50 charitable partners.
