VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.– In observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September—and in celebration of the Chartway Promise Foundation’s 20th anniversary—Chartway Credit Union and its charitable arm are teaming up with nonprofit charity partners to make wishes and dreams come true for dozens of Promise Heroes across the communities it serves.
Surprise Wish Reveals, Dream Reveals and more will take place during credit union events and foundation-hosted fundraisers to bring joy, hope, and smiles to medically fragile children and their families.
“This year, we’re not just recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re also celebrating two decades of community impact,” said Brian Schools, president & CEO of Chartway Credit Union. “For 20 years, the Chartway Promise Foundation has been a meaningful expression of our commitment to our communities. The work our Foundation has done has changed countless lives, and we’re proud to continue growing that impact.”
“Observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month during our 20th anniversary is especially meaningful,” said Christine Wilson, president of Chartway Promise Foundation. “It’s a time to honor these brave children and reflect on two decades of bringing memorable experiences to those facing some of life’s most difficult moments. We’re proud to continue standing beside them and our partners that make our mission possible.”
In addition to Wish and Dream Reveals, Chartway and its Foundation will treat Promise Heroes to experiences like attending events at the Utah State Fair and building backyard playsets. There are also several ways for Chartway members and the community to support the Chartway Promise Foundation. Supporters can register for the Chartway Virginia Beach 10-Miler & 5K taking place at the Virginia Beach oceanfront over Labor Day weekend, with a portion of race proceeds benefiting the Foundation. After each race, Promise Heroes will be surprised with the help of our partner charities.
Other opportunities include sponsoring or attending the 26th annual Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament, which started in 1999 as a way to fulfill the wish of one girl, Julie, to go to Disney World and led to the formation of the Foundation in 2005.
Today, the golf outing continues to bring the community together in support of medically fragile children whom we call Promise Heroes. Additional opportunities to make a difference include purchasing tickets to A Night for Hope at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Those unable to attend can still support the Foundation by donating at any Chartway branch, online, or by becoming a peer-to-peer fundraiser.
Here is a list of Chartway events for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month:
Saturday, August 30 – Sunday, August 31
Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K post-race Promise Hero reveals and Miles for Smiles Cheer Zone, Virginia Beach, Va.
Charity partners: Hooked on Hope VB, Make-A-Wish Great Virginia
Friday, September 5
Utah State Fair at Fairpark in Salt Lake City, Utah
Promise Heroes receive VIP treatment at fair events, including the rodeo, monster truck rally, and demolition derby
Charity partner: Best Seat in the House
Saturday, September 13
Playset build in Suffolk, Va.
Charity partner: Roc Solid Foundation
Thursday, September 17
All Market Chartway Team Member Volunteer Day
· Hospital Ready Bag packing at Chartway Headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va.
· Toy Bag stuffing at Chartway branches in Northern (West Jordan branch) & Southern (Tabernacle branch) Utah
· Two Playhouse Assemblies at Chartway’s Champions branch in Houston, Texas
Charity Partners: Roc Solid Foundation & Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital
Sunday, September 28
A Night for Hope roaring 20’s themed cocktail party in celebration of the Foundation’s anniversary, featuring auctions, tastings, live music, and Promise Hero family testimonials from over the years at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, Va.
Wish Reveal partner: Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
Monday, September 29
26th annual Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament at the Broad Bay Country Club, Virginia Beach, Va., featuring Promise Heroes, their families, and a special Promise Hero reveal.
Charity partner: Toby’s Dream Foundation
Over the last two decades, the Chartway Promise Foundation has granted $16 million to nearly 50 charity partners. In 2024, the Foundation raised $300,000 during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. These funds contributed to a record-breaking $1.1M granted in 2024 to 25 charitable partners, the largest number of recipients in a single year in the Foundation’s history. The grants fund programs in 2025 that support medically fragile children across the credit union’s Virginia, Texas, and Utah markets.