Sentry raises $1.3M for United Way
By Patrick Lynn
Sentry employees and the Sentry Insurance Foundation once again demonstrated their steadfast dedication to the community by achieving a record-breaking campaign, raising $1,325,000 in support of the United Way of Portage County.
This year’s total, announced at a private event this week, comprises employee pledges, special events fundraising, and a matching donation from the Sentry Insurance Foundation.
The total surpasses 40 percent of the United Way’s 2023 community goal of $3,150,000. In addition to encouraging associates to donate, Sentry employees orchestrated various in-person and virtual fundraising events, including a golf scramble, basket raffles, photography contests, and more.
Sentry presented a check of $1.325 million to Fred Hebblewhite, CEO of the United Way of Portage County, during the campaign coordinator celebration. Following the receipt of the check, Hebblewhite expressed deep gratitude for Sentry and its associates.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for supporting this community and the communities where you reside,” he said. “Sentry is exceptional in its recognition and active promotion of campaigns at nearly 20 satellite offices, showcasing Sentry’s dedication to all associates and the communities they call home. It is indeed a remarkable aspect.”
Throughout his remarks, Hebblewhite emphasized Sentry’s commitment to culture, leadership, community support, and empathy and compassion, highlighting Sentry’s Connected Communities partnership with Maui.
“Is it plausible for a company to instinctively respond to the needs of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors with compassion, dignity, and genuine care? Can a company choose to go far beyond the sponsorship requirements of a season-opening PGA golf tournament, make friends on an island more than 4,000 miles away, and then stand by them in their most challenging times? If a company possesses leadership and associates with a heart of gold, the answer is yes. Sentry, you are a company of exceptional beauty,” he said.
He concluded his remarks with a quote from Mother Teresa: “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”
During the presentation, Pete McPartland, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of Sentry, said, “This is the best day of the year, the check unveiling. Thank you to all the associates and leadership for your contributions to enable us to establish a foundation we can build upon. Thank you for the time you invest in this campaign.”
The celebration was attended by the 2023 United Way of Portage County campaign co-chairs, including Ray Ackerlund, Amy Eddy, Chase Rettler, Ross Rettler, Heather Wynne, and JR Wynne, to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Sentry and its employees.
In 2015, the annual Sentry United Way Campaign crossed the $1 million mark for the first time. With this year’s donation, Sentry employees and the Sentry Insurance Foundation have collectively contributed over $21 million to the United Way of Portage County since 2000.
The United Way of Portage County focuses on assisting the most vulnerable populations in the community through collaboration with 30 partner programs and two initiatives, with an emphasis on education, financial stability, and health — the essential building blocks for a high quality of life and a resilient community.
