Chartway Promise Foundation Grants Dreams and Shares Smiles at the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend

Sold-out race brings thousands of runners to downtown Norfolk, creates awareness for medically fragile children

The 11th annual Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon Weekend drew thousands of runners to downtown Norfolk and highlighted the power of community with efforts to support medically fragile children and local families. Chartway Credit Union, the title sponsor of the event, partnered with J&A Racing to host a meaningful weekend focused on giving back. Through the Chartway Promise Foundation—the charitable arm of Chartway Credit Union—the event raised funds and awareness, while granting dreams to two Promise Heroes in collaboration with Toby’s Dream Foundation, and provided 150 activity bags to young patients receiving care at Children’s Hospital of The Kings Daughters (CHKD). J&A Racing presented a check for $6,725 to the foundation. The funds were raised through race registrations and individual donations by participants.

“This weekend is a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose,” said Christine Wilson, president of Chartway Promise Foundation. “From runners and volunteers to donors and sponsors, everyone played a part in making dreams come true for two incredible children and their families.”

The festivities kicked off on Friday at the race expo, where runners and volunteers assembled 150 activity bags for children at CHKD. Each bag, filled with toys and games, was designed to bring smiles to young patients facing medical challenges.

On Saturday during the post-race party, Ty’Asia Trusty, a 6-year-old battling kidney disease, learned her dream of visiting Disney World would come true.

“I can’t wait to meet princesses and characters like Elsa and Moana,” said Ty’Asia.

“Ty’Asia’s journey has been long and difficult, but seeing her smile today gives us so much hope,” said Ty’Asia’s mother, Shaniqua Trusty. “We are incredibly thankful to the Chartway Promise Foundation and Toby’s Dream Foundation for this life-changing moment.”

During Sunday’s post-race party, 9-year-old Noel Maye, a leukemia survivor, learned he and his family will set sail on a Carnival Cruise in February. Three generations—Noel’s grandmother, mother, and siblings—all joined him on stage for the big reveal.

“This means the world to our family,” said Noel’s mother, Raven Whitehurst. “Noel has been through so much, and this trip gives us something to look forward to—time to bond and create happy memories together.”

“At Chartway, our mission is to help individuals and families thrive,” said Brian Schools, president and CEO of Chartway Credit Union. “This weekend showcased how our Chartway Promise Foundation works to fulfill that mission by delivering joy, hope and smiles just when it’s needed most. We’re honored to provide meaningful experiences for Promise Heroes facing serious medical challenges and their families.”

The partnership between J&A Racing and the Chartway Promise Foundation continues to make a lasting impact, combining the spirit of athleticism with the power of giving back. Runners, volunteers, and sponsors all demonstrate the collective power of compassion.

Learn more about Chartway Credit Union and the Chartway Promise Foundation at www.Chartway.com and www.chartwaypromisefoundation.org.