Chartway FCU, We Promise Foundation Saluted for Support of Children's Charities

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (12/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Chartway Federal Credit Union has won 2nd Place in the state Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program for credit unions. The Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program, sponsored by the Virginia Credit Union League and the Credit Union National Association, honors credit unions for their involvement in community projects and activities.

The competition is named after Dora Maxwell, a credit union pioneer, who worked with several organizations to improve the living standards of the poor and needy.

Chartway's award-winning entry showcased its most successful and impactful fundraising project -- the 2010 Black Tie & Bogey's Benefit, a 24-hour fundraising event that included an evening gala and a golf tournament.

Despite the stifled economy, the organization netted $436,257 through the event, enabling it to provide grants to a number of worthwhile organizations, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern Virginia, the EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program, Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Toby's Dream Foundation, the Roc Solid Foundation, and St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children.

Ninety credit union employees dedicated more than 3,500 volunteer hours to support its fundraising events benefiting deserving charities and programs.

"It is truly life-changing to see people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds come together to improve the quality of life for others in need," said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. "The Chartway Family is proud to support the work of so many worthwhile organizations whose mission is to help children in need."

About the We Promise Foundation

As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union and its divisions of HeritageWest, SouthWest Community and Utah Central, the We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children struggling with life-threatening or chronic illnesses.

The foundation provides funding within the communities the credit unions serve with a single goal: To put smiles on children's faces by making their dreams come true. Since 1999, the We Promise Foundation has raised close to $4 million in support of numerous children's charities who share their mission. For more information, visit www.wepromisefoundation.org.

About Chartway Federal Credit Union

Chartway FCU, a not-for-profit financial institution, has been serving members and families since 1959, building a service network that includes 64 branches in 10 states. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, the credit union's reach extends through Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Utah.

HeritageWest Credit Union and SouthWest Community Credit Union joined the Chartway family in 2010. Utah Central became part of the organization in 2011.

Altogether, the organization has assets of more than $1.9 billion, and serves 230,000 members. For more information, visit www.chartway.com; or, follow them at www.facebook.com/chartwayfcu.