We Promise Foundation Raises $526,900 During 11th Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Sept. 29, 2016 - PRLog -- At Chartway Federal Credit Union, giving back has always been core to its culture. Inspired by the industry's "People Helping People" philosophy, the credit union's We Promise Foundation raised $526,900 during its 11^th Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala to make dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses in its communities.

Emceed by WAVY TV's Kerri Furey, the black-tie gala held at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel featured a silent auction, an elegant dinner, and live entertainment by The Right On Band. Professional auctioneer Kyle Hause also treated 400 guests to a rousing live auction, featuring exclusive trips, an Eagles guitar, a Seadoo GTI 130 Jetski, and more. The silent auction gave guests the chance to bid on nearly 100 unique items, including a framed Star Wars poster autographed by the cast, VIP tickets to a Brad Paisley concert, a Venetti ring, an Apple TV, pottery pieces made by We Promise children, and much more.

Also joining the foundation for the event was LPGA player Brooke Pancake, well-renowned Right On Band, and a dozen We Promise heroes - children whose dreams came true thanks to funds from We Promise.

"What an incredible couple of days with We Promise. Thank you all so much for everything and allowing me to play a very small part of an amazing cause," said professional golfer, Brooke Pancake. "I got to meet some true heroes – many children with very serious illnesses and facing tremendous hardships. These children touched me deeply with their contagious smiles and warm hugs!"

All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit children battling life-threatening illnesses. Since launching the foundation, Chartway FCU's We Promise Foundation has raised nearly $9,000,000.

VIDEO CAPTIONS
We Promise Heroes Arrive
To make the We Promise child champions feel as special as they truly are, volunteers welcomed We Promise heroes – children whose dreams come true as a result of funding from We Promise - to the 11^th Annual Diamonds in the Sky gala in a limousine and gave them high-fives: https://www.dropbox.com/s/djn1owhh36jxekd/File%20Sep%2016%2C%205%2024%2034%20PM.mov?dl=0

Gala Video Shared with Guests
We Promise played a special video for guests following dinner:
https://vimeo.com/182399454 (password: wepromise)



ABOUT THE WE PROMISE FOUNDATION
As the charitable arm of Chartway FCU and its divisions of HeritageWest and SouthWest Community, the We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening or debilitating illnesses, or those facing tremendous hardship. Since 1999, the credit union and its We Promise Foundation have raised more than $9,000,000 to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of children. For more information, visitwww.WePromiseFoundation.org; or, visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

ABOUT CHARTWAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Chartway FCU, a not-for-profit financial institution, has been serving members since 1959, building a service network that includes more than 50 branches and a full slate of online, mobile and telephone banking services. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va., the $2 billion credit union proudly serves 180,000 members. HeritageWest and SouthWest Community Credit Unions joined the Chartway family of credit unions in 2010. For more information, visit www.chartway.com; or, visit them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.