Sentry wows with $200K COVID relief donation

Metro Wire Staff

The Sentry Insurance Foundation announced on Wednesday its $200,000 donation to United Way of Portage County, 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 to get through this very difficult time,” said Pete McPartland, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of Sentry, and chairman of the Sentry Foundation, in a May 6 press release. “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 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, the United Way has seen a more than 200 percent increase in calls from people looking for food, financial assistance, and housing. The organization is dedicated to coordinating their vast network of resources and connecting as many people as they can to assistance, the release said.

“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.”

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.”