Tooele, UT (December 20, 2017) — During one of the merriest months of the year, Chartway Federal Credit Union’s We Promise Foundation partnered with Make-a-Wish Utah to bring some extra holiday joy to 13-year old Salote, battling cancer. Together, they held a winter luau-themed wish reveal for Salote to surprise her with the news that her wish to go to Hawaii will be funded by the We Promise Foundation and granted by Make-A-Wish Utah.
Held at Chartway’s branch located at 562 North Main Street in Tooele, UT, more than 50 people – including Tooele City councilwomen and mayor-elect Debbie Winn; Tooele City councilman Dave McCall; Chartway’s president & CEO, Brian Schools; Chartway’s executive vice president / chief operating officer, Kim Little; Chartway’s regional president, Skip Wilson; We Promise Foundation vice chairman, Heidi Worker; CEO of Make-a-Wish Utah and Chartway board member, Jared Perry, and many more, attended the big reveal where Salote arrived by limousine and received a lei greeting – in addition to cheers and high-fives as she traveled across a red carpet rolled out just for her.
Following the theme of Salote’s wish and her love of Hawaiian culture, the winter luau featured a performance by a Polynesian dancer, a surprise Haka by Salote’s uncles to honor her battle, and a special presentation for Salote where We Promise Foundation vice chairman, Heidi Worker, read the signature Make-A-Wish Utah wish reveal scroll to announce that Salote’s wish was officially being granted thanks to a charitable grant from the We Promise Foundation.
Salote’s life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with bone cancer in January 2017. Salote has undergone a rigorous treatment plan, which eventually resulted in the amputation of her leg. Despite the challenges, Salote’s positive attitude, shining smile, and courage continues to inspire those around her.
“The We Promise Foundation is honored to provide the financial support needed to make Salote’s wish come true,” stated We Promise Foundation chairman, Phil Richards. “Bringing joy, hope, and smiles to courageous children like Salote is what we’re all about and we’re grateful that our partnership with Make-a-Wish allows us to make a difference right here in one of the communities we serve.”
MAWU CEO Jared Perry agrees. “Chartway Federal Credit Union and the We Promise Foundation are vital partners in granting wishes in our community,” he said. “Wishes are life-changing experiences for all involved, and we were excited to witness this power first-hand as we joined together to tell Salote that her wish is being granted.”
The We Promise Foundation and Make-A-Wish Utah have been making wishes come true for children battling life-threatening conditions across the state. Since partnering with Make-A-Wish Utah in 2011, Chartway Federal Credit Union and the We Promise Foundation have donated $1,300,000 to Make-a-Wish Utah to grant the wishes of 285 children in Utah.