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Jill A. Haag
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Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation^® presented a $7,500 check to Families of Autistic Children (F.A.C.T). Over 30 children were running around enjoying their free time on the playground at Red Wing Park in Virginia Beach as everyone gathered for the check presentation.  The grant will be used to underwrite expenses for children attending Camp Gonnawannagoagin’, an interactive camp program specifically designed for children ages 4 to 18 with a primary diagnosis of autism.  Camp Gonnawannagoagin’ provides a place for autistic children to be children and live life to the fullest with activities such as, kayaking, a morning at Ocean Breeze and time at the park.  Each child that attends the camp has two people assigned to them one is typically an adolescent volunteer the other a F.A.C.T staff member.  Chartway’s We Promise Foundation President Phil Richards says “it is an honor to support such an outstanding program.  It is obvious this camp brings joy and laughter to these children’s lives” 

The We Promise Foundation, which has raised more than $1.5 million since 1999, committed to making a difference in the lives of children struggling with chronic illness or facing tremendous hardship. Autism, a neurological disorder which affects 1 out of every 166 children, is the fastest growing developmental disability in the country.  Currently, there is no cure for this disease.

F.A.C.T. is a local non-profit organization which promotes the creation of social and recreational programs designed to meet the unique needs of children with autism. Their summer camp features arts and crafts, boating, karate and yoga. Camp Gonnawannagoagin is an exciting solution for autistic children who might otherwise be unable to participate in these activities.  For more information on F.A.C.T or Campgonnawannagoagin’ visit http://www.camp4autism.org.

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About The We Promise Foundation
Established in 2005, the We Promise Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children who deal with severe illnesses and tremendous hardships within our community. As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, the We Promise Foundation strives to put a smile on a child’s face by making their dream come true. For more information, visit www.wepromisefoundation.com.

About Chartway Federal Credit Union
Chartway FCU, a not-for-profit financial institution, has been serving members and families since 1959, building a service network that includes 64 branches in 10 states. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, the credit union’s reach extends through Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Utah. HeritageWest Credit Union and SouthWest Community Credit Union joined the Chartway family in 2010. Utah Central became part of the organization in 2011. Altogether, the organization has assets of more than $1.9 billion, and serves 230,000 members. For more information, visit www.chartway.com; or, follow them at www.facebook.com/chartwayfcu.