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Power Couples

Success, Significance and Service

Article by Kristen Wojdan

Photography by Michael Chance Photography

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

The phrase “Power Couple” typically refers to a couple consisting of two people who are successful and influential in their own right. A power couple recognizes each other’s strengths and weaknesses, respects each other’s independence and balances this with a healthy reliance and interdependence on one another. They encourage goodness in the world and make it a better place by being together.

We are excited to shine the spotlight on these three couples who have taken this concept of “Power Couple” to the next level as they continue to use their success and influence to serve and give back to the community.

DAVID & INDIA CHANCE

DAVID: Platinum Recording Artist and Owner of Chance Music Group

INDIA: Founder and CEO of Learn2Prevent

YEARS MARRIED: 18 years

CHILD: Michael

HOW THEY MET: A chance connection through a mutual acquaintance, Bernard, proved divine appointment for the day this couple met. India was assisting Bernard at his fashion show event and David was stopping by the event to pick up custom jeans created by Bernard. Bernard asked India to host David while he waited. David vividly remembers, "She was wearing jeans and a white tank top and we had a great conversation about life." Fast forward a few months, David called India to ask her out, and the rest is history.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: David created the Music Matters Program for youth and has facilitated the program with local youth. He hopes to expand it into a non-profit and encourage youth to pur- sue their passion of music. India created Smart Smiles, a dental hygiene program for disadvantaged youth, and volunteers with Mission of Mercy.

MICHAEL & JENNIFER GERLOCK

MICHAEL: General Manager of Handyman Concrete

JENNIFER: Executive Director of Leadership Frederick County and Vice-President of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

YEARS MARRIED: 26 years

CHILDREN: Michael (III) and Nicolas

HOW THEY MET: Jen traveled to Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN for a work conference. When she went to have breakfast one morning, Michael was working at the restaurant. Even though he wasn’t her server, he took initiative to refill her coffee and offered to show her around town.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: Michael has served as a soccer coach for over a decade with the YMCA and other local youth organizations. Jennifer has many years of service with the Greater Frederick American Advertising Federation (AAF). She is a Rotarian, a board member of the Downtown Frederick Partnership and on the Board of Advisors for Hood College. Michael and Jennifer served together as Scout Leaders when their boys were young.

TONY & JENNIFER CHECCHIA

TONY: Owner/Broker of VCRE.CO

JENNIFER: Registered Nurse at Meritus

YEARS MARRIED: 16 years

CHILDREN: Kayla, Brianna, Lucas and Gianna

HOW THEY MET: Tony grew up in Frederick and Jennifer is originally from Houston, TX, and moved to Middletown, MD during her teen years. They initially met as colleagues when they worked together at Frederick Land Company, and reconnected years later at a party. Their first official date was at Dave & Busters, followed by a movie—Shrek.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY: Tony and Jennifer work together to serve the Frederick community. Tony, a Rotarian for 22 years, is a charter member of the Key City Rotary Club that launched in July 2022. Tony is also the Founding Chairman of the Frederick Sports Mural in collaboration with artist, Yemi Fagbohun, to paint the largest sports mural (celebrating 125 years of local history in more than 30 sports and recognizing five coaches and 250 athletes) on the back wall of Harry Grove Stadium.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MANY TALENTS THAT WENT INTO THE CREATION OF THIS SHOOT:

Venue: Ceresville Mansion @ceresvillemansion | Attire: Deja Vu Boutique @shopthevu118 Hair & Make Up: Glam Bridal Beauty @glambridalbeauty | Nails: Rose Nails Spa @rosenailsspa

Pull Quote for David/India - "God has been faithful and given us purpose and focus to reach our goals and dreams" - David Chance

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." - Aristotle (Please find a place to put this quote on the final page.)