United Way of Portage County donation aimed at helping community members who face unprecedented challenges.
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (May 6, 2020) – The Sentry Insurance Foundation announced today it is donating $200,000 to United Way of Portage County, as part of a $1.07 million commitment to organizations across the country for coronavirus relief support. The mutual insurer’s efforts are focused on making a direct impact at the community level, with donations to local United Way organizations across the country, as well as making contributions in honor of customers who have adjusted their operations in response to the changing needs of the country.
“At Sentry, we’re committed to helping those we serve get through this very difficult time,” said Pete McPartland, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of Sentry, and chairman of the Sentry Foundation. “We also understand help is needed at the heart of our communities. By partnering with local organizations—from United Way to other community groups—we hope to lift up our communities and work together to overcome the obstacles we face.”
A longtime supporter of United Way, the Foundation’s donation to United Way of Portage County is one of 15 donations to local United Way organizations where Sentry employees live and work, as well as Maui, the home of the Sentry Tournament of Champions. An additional matching program encourages employees to join the company in supporting their communities. Just last year, Sentry and its employees raised $1.215 million for the United Way of Portage County, a campaign in which more than 90 percent of associated participated.
“Sentry associates are passionate about our partnership with the United Way of Portage County,” said Kalynn Pempek, executive director, Sentry Foundation. “We have seen the difference United Way can make in our community and know that now more than ever, it is critical for us to work together to support each other.”
In the past few weeks, across the country the United Way has seen a more than 200 percent increase in calls from people looking for food, financial assistance, and housing. They’re dedicated to coordinating their vast network of resources and connecting as many people as they can to assistance.
"We're grateful for Sentry's continued support as the community faces this extraordinary hardship," said Sue Wilcox, executive director, United Way of Portage County. "Their donation will assist individuals and families disproportionately impacted by the physical and financial consequences of COVID-19. This is a gift that will change lives at a time when it is needed most."
"Sentry has been a strong community partner for over 100 years. Whenever there is a need, Sentry has been there to help in every community they serve,” Mayor Mike Wiza said. I could not be more proud to have them call Stevens Point home, and on behalf of the thousands of lives this donation will touch, thank you."
Recognizing policyholders who have pivoted to manufacture COVID-19 supplies
Every day, businesses insured by Sentry—both small and large—are adjusting their operations to serve the immediate needs of their communities. The Sentry Foundation will recognize these efforts by making contributions in the customers’ names to charities of their choice.
Donations have already been made on behalf of Lakeview Industries, SISU, Thermoformed Plastics of New England (TPNE), and Vista Color for their efforts in converting their operations to make critical equipment and supplies such as low cost ventilators and PPE.
Sentry is one of the country’s largest mutual insurance companies, currently ranked No. 685 on the Fortune 1000 list. Sentry employs more than 4,300 associates throughout the U.S., including about 2,500 in central Wisconsin.
About the Sentry Insurance Foundation
The Sentry Insurance Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Sentry. Funding priorities include education support, workforce development, United Way, and local organizations that work to improve and enhance the quality of life in the communities where we work, live, and play.
For more information, please contact:
Carolyn Schamberger
Office: 715-346-7104
Cell: 715-315-9929
carolyn.schamberger@sentry.com
Rick LaFrombois
Office: 715-346-8239
Cell: 715-581-9396
rick.lafrombois@sentry.com
