Chartway Promise Foundation & charity partners create memorable experiences at Virginia Beach 10-Miler & 5K
Virginia Beach, VA (September 1, 2025) – Thousands of runners, walkers, and supporters gathered at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront over Labor Day weekend for the 2025 Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K. With races organized by J&A Racing, the sold-out event blended fitness, fun, and philanthropy. For every race entrant, J&A Racing donated $1 to the Chartway Promise Foundation (CPF), and runners were encouraged to become fund-racers and raise additional funds for the Foundation. Money raised by and for the Foundation throughout the year funds wishes and dreams for children battling critical illnesses and their families. In observance of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CPF granted two special wishes to local children with cancer, also called Promise Heroes, with the help of charity partners, Hooked on Hope VB and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia. Chartway Credit Union is the title sponsor of the race weekend.
“When our Promise Heroes cross paths with our community at events like this, something magical happens,” said Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation. “These are more than just races—they’re opportunities to uplift local families and fuel moments of hope and healing. This year, as we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, we’re especially grateful to the local run clubs and race participants who raised $6,330 for our Promise Heroes – a powerful testament to the impact we can make together.”
“It’s incredible to see how Chartway’s purpose comes to life over the race weekend,” said Brian Schools, president and CEO of Chartway. “Year after year, we see our members, community partners, and team members show up to help children thrive through meaningful, memorable experiences – giving them ‘hope’ – right when they need it most.”
Jensen’s Wish
On Saturday, August 30, the weekend kicked off with the 5K and a heartfelt moment for four-year-old Jensen, a Chartway Promise Hero courageously fighting acute lymphoblastic Leukemia. During the post-race party, Jensen, along with his parents, Andrea and Kevin, and his sister, Josie, learned they would enjoy a day full of catching memories on the water on a fishing charter thanks to a grant from CPF to Hooked on Hope VB.
“Jensen has shown incredible bravery throughout his treatment,” said Andrea Lane-Brock, his mother. “This wish gives our family something joyful to look forward to, and we’re so thankful for the love and support we’ve felt today.”
Drake’s Wish
The following day, August 31, 16-year-old Drake Arce was welcomed home during the 10 Miler post-race party on the beach. Just back from his dream Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii, Drake was recognized alongside his parents, Jason and Crystal, and his sister, Chloe, for his strength and resilience during his medical journey with Leukemia. His wish was granted through a partnership with Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, an organization dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses.
“My favorite thing about Hawaii was going ziplining,” said Drake. “Thank you, Chartway Promise Foundation, for sending me to Hawaii.”
“The trip provided a sense of normalcy for our family,” said Crystal Hudgins, his mother. “It meant a lot to just enjoy time our time as a family and spend time with each other.”
Both Wish Reveals were made possible by Chartway’s charitable arm, the Chartway Promise Foundation, which raises funds throughout the year to provide memorable experiences for children like Jensen and Drake. Even more surprise reveals will take place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, across Chartway’s Virginia, Utah, and Texas markets. Upcoming events, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities include:
Friday, September 5
Utah State Fair at Fairpark in Salt Lake City, Utah
Promise Heroes receive VIP treatment at fair events, including the rodeo, monster truck rally, and demolition derby
Charity partner: Best Seat in the House
Saturday, September 13
Playset build in Suffolk, Va.
Charity partner: Roc Solid Foundation
Thursday, September 17
All Market Chartway Team Member Volunteer Day
- Hospital Ready Bag packing at Chartway Headquarters in Virginia Beach, Va.
- Toy Bag stuffing at Chartway branches in Northern (West Jordan branch) & Southern (Tabernacle branch) Utah
- Two Playhouse Assemblies at Chartway’s Champions branch in Houston, Texas
Charity Partners: Roc Solid Foundation & Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital
Sunday, September 28
A Night for Hope roaring 20’s themed cocktail party in celebration of the Foundation’s anniversary, featuring auctions, tastings, live music, and Promise Hero family testimonials from over the years at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, Va.
Wish Reveal partner: Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
Monday, September 29
26th annual Swings Fore Smiles golf tournament at the Broad Bay Country Club, Virginia Beach, Va., featuring Promise Heroes, their families, and a special Promise Hero reveal.
Charity partner: Toby’s Dream Foundation
Over the last two decades, the Foundation has granted $16 million to nearly 50 charity partners. In 2024, the Chartway Promise Foundation raised $300,000 during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. These funds contributed to a record-breaking $1.1M granted in 2024 to 25 charitable partners, the largest number of recipients in a single year in the Foundation’s history.
Learn more about Chartway Credit Union and the Chartway Promise Foundation at www.Chartway.com and www.ChartwayPromiseFoundation.org
Get the latest news about Chartway by visiting our media center.
About Chartway
Since 1959, Chartway has been unlocking the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive. Member-owned and values-driven, our $3.1 billion credit union proudly serves more than 260,000 members with branches in Utah, Texas, and Virginia. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions, included on American Banker’s Top Credit Union to Work For list, and received numerous other top workplace and best credit union accolades. Reflecting a bright way forward, our charitable arm – the Chartway Promise Foundation – has granted $16 million to provide medically fragile children and their families memorable experiences that bring joy, hope, and smiles. For information on our vibrant organization, please visit www.Chartway.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Hooked on Hope VB
Founded in 2018, Hooked on Hope VB supports pediatric cancer families with fishing outings at no cost to them. Children and their families enjoy charter boat and onshore fishing events as well as camping trips, allowing them to “catch” fun memories together. For more information, visit hookedonhopevb.org.
Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
Make-A-Wish® delivers life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Their goal is to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey and helps them build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. For more information about Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, visit va.wish.org.