Community

Gold Key | PHR recognizes our responsibility to the well-being and betterment of our community and contribute time, money and services to many local, regional and national charities. We are especially proud of three ongoing charitable efforts that our company has created that are changing lives.

jt walk & beach party

Josh Thompson, our CEO's son, was an avid surfer from Virginia Beach, until he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS® or Lou Gehrig's disease. Rather than becoming frustrated and bitter, Josh and his family along with the Gold Key | PHR family, The Virginia Gentlemen and thousands of others, mobilized to raise funds for treatments and a cure. They partnered with the ALS Association in the local Walk to Defeat ALS®, staging the largest single day walk and fundraiser for ALS in the nation each year since 2008. The JTWalk has raised more than $6 million for stem cell research for neurological disorders, ALS® patient services and JT's Grommet Island Park.

jt’s grommet island beach park

When the Thompson family went to the beach, Josh had to stay behind because wheelchairs are not made for the beach. Thus, was born the idea of a 100% accessible park for those with disabilities and their families. Our CEO Bruce Thompson, Josh's dad, took the idea to the City of Virginia Beach where it gained quick support. The JT Walk teamed with the ALS Association, the Gold Key | PHR extended family, the Virginia Gentlemen and thousands of fellow citizens and raised the funds to build and maintain the park for use by residents and thousands of beach visitors. The park was officially opened by the Governor of Virginia on May 22, 2010. Learn more at grommetisland.org.

jt’s camp grom

This is the newest charitable venture by Gold Key | PHR and its charity partners. Camp Grom is a 20-acre $15 million adventure parkdeveloped especially for wounded veterans and their families, the families of fallen war heroes and children and adults with and without disabilities. It is a special place where everyone in the family can spend time and participate, together. Unlike traditional camps, JT's Camp Grom delivers a unique, integrated and adaptive day of activities surrounded by family and friends.

This 70-acre site in Virginia Beach holds an aquatic center, an outdoor lake with fishing, a gym/auditorium, picnic shelters, a sports field, a water spray park and so much more. JT's Camp Grom serves thousands of camp visitors a year.