Month–long Childhood Cancer Awareness campaign creates memorable experiences for Promise Heroes across Texas, Utah, and Virginia — tail end of campaign affected by weather, but community commitment endured
Virginia Beach, Va. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Throughout Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Chartway Credit Union’s Chartway Promise Foundation brought communities together across Texas, Utah, and Virginia through fundraising, community events, and team member volunteer activities that created memorable experiences for medically fragile children, called Promise Heroes, and their families. In all, three children were surprised with trips of a lifetime with the help of charity partners, but when a nor’easter caused the cancellation of the signature event, Night for Hope, the Foundation found alternate ways to carry its purpose forward.
Food prepared for Night for Hope was donated to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), and the Promise Hero youth performers scheduled to take the stage will have the opportunity to share their talents at an upcoming Chartway event. The broader month–long campaign also included a Dream Reveal at Swings Fore Smiles and Wish Reveals at a Chartway Branch and a Demolition Derby.
“We were deeply disappointed that Night for Hope could not take place as planned, but safety had to come first,” said Rebecca Riordan, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation and chief people and culture officer of Chartway Credit Union. “The families our Foundation serves face disruptions far greater than a canceled event. From an unexpected diagnosis to treatment schedules and long periods of uncertainty, their resilience keeps it all in perspective and reminds us why the work must continue. Donating the prepared food to CHKD and creating another opportunity for our young performers to take the spotlight are meaningful ways to carry the purpose of the evening forward.”
“A canceled event doesn’t mean canceled impact,” said Brian Schools, president and CEO of Chartway Credit Union. “External circumstances can change, however, our commitment to our communities does not. Whether through our foundation or our credit union, we always stand ready to do our part.”
Night for Hope’s Purpose Continues Beyond Canceled Event
The Foundation canceled its 18th annual Night for Hope, scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Va., following expected tidal flooding that would make travel to and from the event unsafe. Food prepared for the event went to CHKD, a longtime Chartway Promise Foundation charity partner, as a “thank you” to the dedicated healthcare workers at CHKD who show up each day for the children and families the Foundation serves. The young performers from Ability Center of Virginia, Aid Another, and Families of Autism Coming Together (FACT), who were scheduled to take center stage at the event, were invited to perform at a future Chartway gathering, giving the Promise Heroes another opportunity to share their talents and be celebrated. A special impact video created for the event highlighted the Foundation’s more than 30 currentcharity partners and many of its Promise Heroes.
Swings Fore Smiles – Rain or Shine for Lucy’s Dream
The next day at Cedar Point Golf Club in Suffolk, Va., golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters gathered for the Foundation’s 27th annual Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament on September 24. Before play began, the Foundation and its charity partner, Toby’s Dream Foundation, surprised 9-year-old Promise Hero Lucy and her family with the news that her dream of visiting Disney World with her family is coming true this fall. The reveal gave participants a firsthand look at the impact their support makes possible.
Lucy gave us a mini weather forecast, since she is studying clouds, “They are Nimbostratus, so we’ll see drizzle,” said Lucy just before she learned about her trip to Disney. The weather didn’t dampen the day’s spirit.
“The relationship between Toby’s Dream and the Chartway Promise Foundation helps give children like Lucy something joyful to look forward to and gives families the opportunity to make memories together,” said Joan Steele, executive director of Toby’s Dream Foundation. “Sharing Lucy’s Dream Reveal with the people whose support helps make it possible was a meaningful reminder of what this partnership can do for children and families who need it most.”
Promise Hero Julianna’s Wish in Texas
The Childhood Cancer Awareness Month celebrations kicked off on Sept. 3 at Chartway’s Champions Branch in Houston, where the Chartway Promise Foundation and its charity partner, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, celebrated 5-year-old Promise Hero Juliana before her family trip to Disney World. The branch created a tropical celebration inspired by Moana, one of Juliana’s favorite Disney princesses, and team members made wish wands, played with Juliana and her sister, and welcomed family members in both English and Spanish.
“The Chartway team did not simply host a wish celebration. They wrapped Juliana and her entire family in happiness, love, and community,” said Nicole Gabler, director of foundation engagement for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. “We are incredibly proud and grateful that the Chartway Promise Foundation has chosen Make-A-Wish not simply as a grantee, but as a true partner in bringing joy, hope, and smiles to local children.”
Promise Hero Silas’s Wish in Utah
On Sept. 19, Chartway Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Utah surprised 12-year-old Promise Hero Silas at the Utah State Fair’s Day of “Wreck”oning Demolition Derby. Silas and his family received VIP treatment, met the drivers, and toured the pits before he rode into the arena in a demolition derby vehicle. Following the national anthem, the crowd learned that his wish to visit Hawaii with his family was coming true through agrant from the Chartway Promise Foundation.
“I feel amazing after all that,” said Silas. “It’s amazing. It’s crazy how I went through all of that and then look at me now.”
“Silas arrived with a big smile, and it never left him during the event,” said Daniel Dudley, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Utah. “After the wish proclamation, he stood on the hood of the car with a look of triumph as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. His mom and dad couldn’t hold back the tears as they watched their son, who was recently deemed cancer free after a two-year battle, stand proudly in front of the crowd. Make-A-Wish Utah is grateful to work alongside Chartway Promise Foundation to help deliver this memorable experience to Silas and his family.”
Since 2005, the Chartway Promise Foundation has granted $17 million that directly supports wish-granting and other programs run by the foundation’s charitable partners. In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded more than$1M in grants to support the 2026 programs of a record 33 nonprofit charitable partners.
The Foundation is currently accepting charitable grant applications through November 1, 2026, and funds will be awarded in December to support partner programs in 2027.
Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at www.Chartway.com and Chartway Promise Foundation at www.ChartwayPromiseFoundation.org.
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Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $3.2 billion credit union proudly serves more than 265,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Driving innovation for the future of financial services, Chartway Ventures, a wholly owned credit union service organization (CUSO), invests in technology and innovative financial solutions that create value for Chartway members and the credit union industry. Reflecting a bright way forward, Chartway Promise Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has granted $17 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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