Thousands unite to make dreams come true for medically fragile children and their families
Virginia Beach, VA – The 12th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend brought thousands of runners, volunteers, and supporters to downtown Norfolk, transforming the city’s waterfront into a celebration of community, compassion, and hope. Presented by Chartway Credit Union in partnership with J&A Racing, the weekend highlighted the power of giving back through the Chartway Promise Foundation, which raises funds to bring joy, hope, and smiles to medically fragile children and their families. Through race registrations, donations, and fundraising activities, the event generated $9,800 for the foundation—supporting dreams, family experiences, and outreach efforts that change lives.
“This weekend is always a beautiful reminder of what can happen when people come together for a shared purpose,” said Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation. “Every runner, volunteer, and sponsor helped make dreams come true for two remarkable children this year. The energy, the emotion—it’s everything our mission stands for.”
“At Chartway, our purpose is to help individuals and families thrive,” said Brian Schools, president & CEO of Chartway Credit Union. “This event brings that purpose to life in such a powerful way. Together with J&A Racing and our partners, we’re honored to bring smiles to children like Charlotte and Summer and to remind everyone that hope and kindness are worth running for.”
Saturday: Charlotte’s Disney Dream
The weekend’s first Promise Hero Dream Reveal took place Saturday morning during the post-race party at Town Point Park. Surrounded by cheering runners and volunteers, five-year-old Charlotte, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia, learned that her dream of visiting Walt Disney World will come true next spring.
Charlotte, who adores Rapunzel, Merida, and anything purple, was joined on the big stage by her parents, Daniel and Tamara, and sisters, Annabelle and Penelope.
“It’s definitely a lifetime experience for Charlotte,” said Daniel Fischer, Charlotte’s father. “To be afforded this opportunity by an organization like Toby’s Dream is just incredible. We’re so thankful and blessed by all the organizations in Hampton Roads, including. Chartway Promise Foundation. She’s going to be in love with meeting every Disney princess that they have to offer.”
“Runners talk about finish-line energy, but this is something different—it’s community energy,” added Jerry Frostick, Chartway Promise Foundation board member and co-owner and race director of J&A Racing. “Seeing Charlotte’s dream announced on stage reminds us that running can go far beyond competition. It’s about connection, compassion, and making life brighter for others.”
Sunday: Summer’s Disney Surprise
Sunday’s sold out 10K and half marathon brought more excitement—and another unforgettable moment. During the post-race celebration, seven-year-old Summer, who is battling severe aplastic anemia, discovered that her dream of visiting Disney World will come true in early January.
Summer’s grandmother, Angelia, joined her for the big reveal, where volunteers, runners, and spectators joined in the celebration.
“I want to see Aurora, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast,” said Promise Hero Summer.
“Chartway Promise Foundation and their generousness allows Summer and the rest of my family to enjoy a trip to Disney World,” said Angelia Williams, Summer’s grandmother. “We can’t thank the Chartway Promise Foundation and Toby’s Dream Foundation enough for giving her this gift.”
Community Impact Beyond the Finish Line
The weekend’s impact reached far beyond the races. On Friday, runners and volunteers assembled 150 activity bags for children receiving care at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD). Each bag—filled with toys, games, and crafts—is designed to bring moments of happiness to young patients undergoing treatment.
Throughout the weekend, the Chartway Promise Foundation, Toby’s Dream Foundation, and J&A Racing joined forces to highlight the importance of community partnerships that support local families when they need it most.
Learn more about Chartway Credit Union at www.Chartway.com and the Chartway Promise Foundation at www.ChartwayPromiseFoundation.org.
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About Chartway & Chartway Promise Foundation
Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $3.2B credit union proudly serves more than 260,000 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. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has granted $16M 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.
About Toby’s Dream Foundation
Founded in 2009, Toby’s Dream Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy to children with life-threatening illnesses by granting them the dream of a lifetime. They serve children who are treated and referred from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk and from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For more information, visit tobysdream.org.
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