Chartway Federal Credit Unions We Promise Foundation Hosts Promise Parade for Kid Hero
July 13, 2020
Virginia Beach, VA (July 8, 2020) – When it comes to delivering joy, hope, and smiles – there’s nothing that can stop Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation from doing just that. Not even a global health pandemic. So, when Chartway’s charitable arm got wind of a postponed wish for a local Chesapeake, VA, teen, the organization jumped into action.
Ames, a 14-year-old Chesapeake native, has battled cancer most of his life. His wish to go to Walt Disney World was funded by Chartway’s We Promise Foundation and granted by its partner, Toby’s Dream Foundation. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, his wish was postponed. The We Promise Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Chartway’s Board of Directors, Chartway’s leadership team, an enthusiastic crowd of Chartway team members, ODU’s Big Blue mascot, and ODU cheerleaders met at a local church to decorate their cars. From trucks to SUVs, each car was decked from fender to trunk with streamers, posters, balloons, and inspirational messages. Shortly after, the caravan of vehicles paraded by Ames' house – honking, waving, playing music, blowing bubbles, and spreading some much-needed joy. Ames could not have been more surprised to see dozens of cars parading around the corner. When Ames saw his parade, the shock, surprise, and excitement overcame him. Waving and cheering alongside so many others, Ames sported a grin from ear to ear.
“There is nothing that can stop joy, hope, and smiles from shining through – not even a global health pandemic,” said Karen Lane, executive director of Chartway’s We Promise Foundation. “We know how much these once-in-a-lifetime wishes mean to our kid heroes and while we hope Ames and his family will all travel to Disney soon, we’re doing what we can to lift his spirits and spread happiness!”
“During this unique time, the realities children with medical challenges face haven’t changed,” said Brian Schools, president & CEO of Chartway. “So, that makes what we do that much more important.”
ABOUT CHARTWAY’S WE PROMISE FOUNDATION
As Chartway Federal Credit Union’s charitable arm, We Promise strengthens the communities it serves by partnering with companion charities, sponsors, and contributors to provide the financial support needed to make dreams and wishes come to life for children facing medical challenges. Since 1999, the credit union and its We Promise Foundation have raised more than $11 million to provide life-changing experiences that bring joy, hope and smiles to children facing medical hardship or illness. For more information, visit www.WePromiseFoundation.org; or, visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
ABOUT CHARTWAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONS
Chartway Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution, has been proudly serving members for more than half a century. Guided by its vision, mission, and values, the $2.3 billion credit union is dedicated to making life more affordable for its 190,000 members through more than 30 branches and a full slate of online, mobile, video, and telephone banking services, including mobile deposit, mobile bill pay, and digital wallets. As one of the largest credit unions in the country – with membership concentrations in Virginia, Utah, and Texas – Chartway is consistently recognized for its financial strength, its ability to make life affordable for its members, and for its philanthropic efforts through its charitable arm, the We Promise Foundation, which has raised more than $11 million to provide life-changing experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles to children facing medical hardship or illness. For more information, visit www.Chartway.com; or, visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.