Virginia Beach, VA (October 7, 2019) – Wednesday, September 25, started like any other morning at Chartway Federal Credit Union – until a parade of leaders proudly sporting bright orange t-shirts representing Chartway’s We Promise Foundation filled the parking lot located at its Headquarters location. Members of Chartway’s board of directors and senior leadership team were greeted by pieces of a playground they’d be assembling as part of a Roc Solid Foundation playground build for local kid hero, Landon.
The morning was filled with helping hands, drill bits, nuts, bolts, screws, and smiling faces as the Chartway leadership team created breakout groups. Each breakout group worked to assemble different sections of the playground. Brian Schools, Chartway’s president & CEO, worked with his team to assemble the ladder while Danielle Abbassi, president of Chartway’s We Promise Foundation, partnered with Kim Little, executive vice president & COO, to create the interior play station. As team members constructed their individual areas, each breakout group started to see how their part played into the collective playground. For both the board and the senior leadership team, this build was not only a humbling way to work with the local Hampton Roads community, but it was also a meaningful team-building experience.
By mid-morning, a fully-assembled playground complete with a slide, swing, rock wall, and ladder had come together. Chartway’s team members then had the opportunity to sign the playground with encouraging words. Kim Ross, Chartway’s chief human resource officer, even drew paw prints and quotes from Nickelodeon’s “Paw Patrol,” local kid hero Landon’s favorite TV show.
“Part of the We Promise mission is to make hopes and dreams come true for local kid heroes facing medical challenges,” said Abbassi. “Working with Roc Solid allows us to not only make those dreams and wishes come true, but also gives us the ability to let kids play and forget about whatever challenge they’re facing. That’s what it’s all about – letting kids be kids!”
Schools agreed. “Part of partnering with Roc Solid and working to build these playgrounds allows us to help these families as they fight medical hardship with their child. Today, we built an outlet for Landon to play, and a place for his family to watch him heal, laugh, and be himself.”
By noon, Landon’s family had arrived on-site for the big reveal. Although Landon – who is currently receiving treatment for neuroblastoma – was unable to make it to the reveal as he was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital, his family and 6-year-old older brother, Tre, joined the Chartway team for the big reveal. Tre arrived blindfolded and following the big countdown and reveal, he ran to the playground and began to do what kids do best – play!
Later in the day, the playground was transported to Landon’s home in Newport News, VA. Thankfully, Landon returned home just a few days later and is happily enjoying his new playground at home and playing morning, noon, and night alongside his big brother, Tre.