We Promise Foundation awards a year’s worth of free groceries to help make dreams come true for children; gives grant in the amount of $101,600 to Toby’s Dream Foundation

Following the excitement of the recent mega millions jackpot, Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation decided to host its own special sweepstakes to support local children facing life-threatening illnesses. The contest, in which supporters had a one in 1,500 chance to win free groceries for a year, raised $29,800.

The charitable arm of the credit union had been offering local supporters an opportunity to reserve their ticket for a chance to win a $5,200 worth of free groceries. Thanks to the generosity of local community members, all 1,500 tickets were sold.

“We want to thank the community for its tremendous support of our foundation and this most recent fundraising effort,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “There is no greater inspiration than seeing people come together to bring little heroes encouragement during difficult times. We are honored to alleviate the hardships of battle by bringing smiles to their faces, and to award a family with free groceries to express our gratitude.”

Joining the We Promise Foundation to pull the winning ticket were six local children whose dream of visiting Disney World came true thanks to the local charity and the support of Toby’s Dream Foundation. At a time when joy and laughter were greatly needed, the children received a worry-free, week-long escape to the most magical place on earth. The children also joined We Promise in presenting a grant in the amount of $101,600 to Toby’s Dream Foundation to change the lives of 20 young fighters.

“We are grateful to the We Promise Foundation for their generosity in supporting our mission,” said Joan Steele, Executive Director of Toby’s Dream Foundation. “Together we are making dreams come true for children in our community who are living with life-threatening illnesses.”

Foundations surprise 3-year old Elizabeth City toddler with a custom-build playground in her backyard

During the long, dark days of winter spent in the hospital after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 3-year-old Zoe Deitemeyer dreamed of the day could play outside again—swinging, sliding and climbing her way to freedom and fun. Thanks to the expert Roc Solid builders and a $10,000 grant from Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation, Zoe’s dream came true.

After zipping around her hometown of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in a limousine, courtesy of the foundations to give the volunteer’s time to construct the playground designed for children with pediatric cancer, the bubbly, energetic toddler squealed as she spotted the new play set in her backyard.

“To some people, a playground may be just an ordinary place for children to play,” said Rachel Brown, Executive Director of the We Promise Foundation. “But to a child facing a life-threatening illness, it is a healing escape from painful treatments and a springboard to freedom. We are honored and humbled to partner with the Roc Solid Foundation to help Zoe swing into recovery!”

For Zoe and her family, this dream come true could not have come at a more perfect time. As the clocks converted to Daylight Savings Time,

Zoe now has an extra hour of sunlight to play her way to healing and hope.

Zoe’s backyard build is the fourth time We Promise and Roc Solid have come together to “Play it Forward” for children facing medical hardship.

Credit Union’s Charitable Arm Gave the Gift of Freedom and Mobility to 16-year old Chesapeake Boy

During this time of year when it’s all-too-easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, one local credit union took the time to give the holiday gift of a lifetime to a special young teen – the “Miracle Boy” whose heart stopped after lightning struck him on the left side of his head in 2007. Following an extraordinary recovery that has required years of aggressive medical treatments and therapy, the We Promise Foundation – the charitable arm of Virginia Beach-based Chartway Federal Credit Union – surprised 16-year old Noah with the one gift he and his family had dreamed of since that fateful day in his backyard: a specially-designed wheelchair van.

“The moment we learned about Noah’s miraculous story of courage and survival, we knew we had to do something,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “For this young champion who has defied the odds, we are honored to be able to give this special gift – the gift of freedom for which he has so courageously fought.”

The credit union and its charitable foundation invited the family to its Corporate Center to surprise them with “Noah’s Wheels.” As the family arrived, they were greeted by over 100 employees and supporters, enthusiastically welcoming Noah with warm applause and vibrant signs stating, “We Promised. We Delivered!” “Chartway’s We Promise Foundation is proud to make your dream come true!” and “Honored to bring a smile to your face today!”

Following a brief introduction, Chartway’s staff unveiled the van as they cheered in unison, “Happy Holidays, Noah!”

Describing the life-changing moment, Noah’s mother, Lisa Addesa, exclaimed, “Thank you to Chartway, the We Promise Foundation and all who made this gift happen, we are so incredibly thankful – beyond words. You have given us back a part of life that was lost to Noah and our family four years ago.”

Having been struck by lightning in 2007, Noah suffered series injuries. He was in a coma for more than two weeks, CHKD for several months, and at a rehabilitation facility for an additional six weeks. As a result of the rare accident, Noah lost the ability to walk, to talk, to fully control movement and to enjoy every day activities like visiting his area family members during the holiday season.

At more than 6’ tall and 160+ pounds, and with his wheelchair weighing an additional 105 pounds, transferring Noah to a vehicle was extremely difficult and dangerous for everyone involved. The family struggled to take Noah to therapy treatments, doctor’s appointments, church, and other off-site activities. Given the sheer strength and effort transportation required, the family was predominantly confined to their home.

In addition to the wheelchair accessible van, the We Promise Foundation also gave the family passes to area attractions, including the Virginia Zoo and Holidays Lights at the Beach, so they could enjoy all the holiday happenings in Noah’s new wheels.

In a season known for its magic, what could be merrier than that?

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A brief video that documents the heartwarming event that took place at Chartway FCU’s Corporate Center

The We Promise and Roc Solid Foundations surprised Virginia Beach boy battling the most advanced stage of bilateral Retinoblastoma with his own backyard playground

During a season characterized by gestures of generosity, the We Promise and Roc Solid Foundations delivered a very special surprise to a little boy facing big odds: a backyard playground designed to bring the gift of play to children with pediatric cancer.

For Maddox and his family, this dream come true could not have come at a more perfect time. Following months of aggressive treatment to combat several tumors – six in his left eye and two larger ones in his right that limit his vision – the local foundations back brought the magic of childhood
during a pivotal moment in Maddox’s journey. We Promise donated the funds for the play set, a total of $10,000 to Roc Solid in 2011, while Roc Solid and their crew of volunteers built the playground.

“Children like Maddox are unable to enjoy public playgrounds because of suppressed immune systems,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “That is why, after months of indoor treatment and rounds of painful pricks, we were honored to give Maddox a place to play and the chance to see life a little differently – through the healing lens of hope.”

Since 1999, the We Promise Foundation has donated more than $3 million to make dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

HeritageWest Credit Union’s Charitable Arm, the We Promise Foundation, donated $12,183 to build new Hope Garden at Primary Children’s Medical Center for children and their families to enjoy during treatment

Following months of construction and planning, young patients at Primary Children’s Medical Center are now benefiting from the gift of play, relaxation and sunshine thanks to a new outdoor Hope Garden donated by the We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of HeritageWest Credit Union.

Featuring growing boxes that children helped plant, an area for arts and crafts, colorful play equipment and electrical outlets for children who rely on IV’s and pumps around-the-clock, the Hope Garden provides a place where all young patients can benefit from therapeutic play.

“Primary Children’s Medical Center is deeply grateful for the generous support of the We Promise Foundation,” said Foundation Director Sharon Goodrich. “The Hope Garden not only provides a sanctuary for hospitalized children to discover nature steps away from their hospital room, but it also provides a healing atmosphere of hope. This garden will serve as a reminder that sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come from a bottle. Rather, it can come from running your hands through soil, listening to the breeze, and feeling the sun on your face.”

The $12,183 donation from the We Promise Foundation was presented during the 27th Annual Primary Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. In addition to their donation, HeritageWest Credit Union employees manned telephone lines while viewers phoned-in pledges from across the area as they watched live entertainment and heard inspiring stories of young patients whose lives had been changed because of the pediatric children’s hospital.

“Helping these young heroes who have endured more than we could ever imagine is what our We Promise Foundation is all about,” asserted Bruce Bryan, Regional President of HeritageWest Credit Union. “Their stories of hope are an example to us all, and we hope their future will be made brighter because of this special healing place.”