Chartway Federal Credit Union's We Promise Foundation hit new heights when the Virginia Beach, Va., organization hosted two recent events: the Diamonds in the Sky Gala and Charity Golf Classic.
Because of these events and all of the foundation's fundraisers that will be completed by year-end, the $1.9 billion credit union's charitable arm said it has reached a new fundraising milestone: $890,000 to benefit children battling life-threatening illnesses.
“We believe there is no greater inspiration than seeing people come together to bring young heroes encouragement during difficult times,” said Chartway President/ CEO Ron Burniske. “We are so appreciative of all of our celebrities and sponsors who help us deliver the gift of a dream come true when children need more than medicine.”
The star-studded Diamonds in the Sky Gala held at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel featured Teri Polo, star of ABC Family's series “The Fosters”, who served as the celebrity emcee alongside local WAVY-TV reporter Nicole Livas.
Legendary American rock band 38 Special, LPGA player Jill McGill, Washington Redskins alumni players Charley Taylor and Jimmie Jones, and more than a dozen We Promise kid heroes were also on hand.
(Below, former Washington Redskins stars Jimmy Jones and Charley Taylor with CEO Ron Burniske.)
The event's guests were also treated to a live auction that was hosted by professional auctioneer Kyle Haus and four-year old Tre, who received a custom-made play set earlier this year thanks to funds donated by the We Promise Foundation in partnership with the Roc Solid Foundation
We Promise supporters had a chance to tee-off with McGill at the Charity Golf Classic. Joining the 144 golfers were 20 We Promise kid heroes who arrived by limousine and buzzed around the course in golf carts where they had the opportunity to learn how to putt with the pros.
All proceeds from these two events will benefit children in the communities Chartway Federal and its divisions of HeritageWest and SouthWest Community serve. Since launching the Foundation, Chartway FCU's We Promise Foundation said, it has raised nearly $6 million.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.