The Chartway Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia Surprise Teen Battling Cancer with a Trip to San Diego Zoo Safari Park

PHOTO: The Chartway Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia Surprise Teen Battling Cancer with a Trip to San Diego Zoo Safari Park: The Chartway Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of Chartway Credit Union, and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia surprised 12-year-old Anna who has faced cancer since 2018 with the news that her wish to be a zookeeper at San Diego Safari Park had been granted thanks to funds from the Chartway Promise Foundation given to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.

CONTACT:
Heidi Worker, Director of Communications
Office: (757) 222-3028
Mobile: (218) 280-3779
Email: heworker@chartway.com

Suffolk, VA (June 7, 2022) – The Chartway Promise Foundation – the charitable arm of Chartway Credit Union – and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia surprised 12-year-old Anna who has bravely faced cancer since 2018 with the news that her wish to be a zookeeper for cheetahs at San Diego Safari Park is going to be granted thanks to funds from the Chartway Promise Foundation given to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. The event took place at the Chartway branch located in the Harbour View neighborhood in Suffolk, Va.

“The Chartway Promise Foundation, Chartway's charitable arm, strengthens communities 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,” said Karen Lane, executive director. “We’re thrilled to do just that for Anna. Throughout her difficult journey with cancer, dreaming of being a zookeeper has brought her the priceless gift of hope.”

“Our credit union is dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive – and a commitment to our communities is a vital part of that mission,” said Brian Schools, Chartway’s president & CEO. “Whether supporting children like Anna who face medical hardship through our Chartway Promise Foundation, donating to disaster response organizations during times of crisis, offering free financial wellness programs, or helping tomorrow’s leaders through our collegiate scholarship programs, we’re proud to do it. It’s who we are.”

“We know that the joy of a wish provides children battling critical illnesses the strength they need to continue their battles for health, hope for the future, and gives them a piece of their childhood back,” said Sheri Lambert, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. “This year, we celebrate our 35th year of granting wishes for children in Hampton Roads and throughout the state of Virginia, and we will soon reach the milestone of 5,500 local, life-changing wishes granted.

Granting wishes takes an entire community, and we are so deeply grateful to the Chartway Promise Foundation for their long-lasting partnership in granting truly transformational wishes like Anna’s.”

Throughout the years, the Chartway Promise Foundation has given Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia over $1.7 million, which has granted more than 300 wishes. Altogether, since 1999, the Chartway Promise Foundation has raised more than $13 million to bring joy, hope, and smiles to children facing medical hardship.

About The Chartway Promise Foundation & Chartway Credit Union
Since 1999, the Chartway Promise Foundation has raised more than $13 million to bring joy, hope, and smiles to children facing medical hardship. The Chartway Promise Foundation is the charitable arm of Chartway Credit Union, whose values reflect a bright way forward for members, communities, and team members. Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, the $2.6 billion credit union proudly serves more than 190,000 members with branches in Virginia, Utah, and Texas.

Additionally, Chartway has been recognized by the communities it serves with numerous Top Workplace and Best Credit Union awards – not only for its service to members, but also as an organization where team members benefit from rewarding work, room to grow personally and professionally, and being their authentic selves. For information on this vibrant organization, visit www.Chartway.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia

Make-A-Wish® creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. Headquartered in Richmond, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia has granted more than 5,400 wishes since 1987. For more information about Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, visit va.wish.org or call 804-217-WISH. Make-A-Wish and Make-A-Wish Foundation are marks of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.

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