Community-focused donations totaling more than $1 million across the country seek to make a direct impact
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 12, 2020) – The Sentry Insurance Foundation announced today it is donating $50,000 to Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix 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 donation to Valley of the Sun United Way is one of 15 donations to local United Way organizations across the country where Sentry employees live and work. An additional matching program encourages employees to join the company in supporting their communities.
Over the last several weeks, United Way Worldwide has seen a more than 200 percent increase in calls from people looking for food, financial assistance, and housing support. This mirrors the local impact felt and punctuates the actions being taken by Valley of the Sun United Way in working with their partner nonprofits and schools, and community and business leaders, to launch the United for the Valley COVID-19 Fund in support of emerging and long-term needs. They’re dedicated to coordinating their vast network of resources, collaborating and co-creating solutions in real time, and connecting as many people as they can to assistance through the outstanding work of front-line agencies.
“The Sentry Insurance Foundation is a long-time partner of United Way. Today’s extraordinary gift demonstrates their continued ongoing support of individuals and families facing the challenges of making ends meet,” said Carla Vargas Jasa, president and CEO, Valley of the Sun United Way. “Their donation will make many local programs possible and provide access to food, housing, educational tools and essential supplies for non-profits in Maricopa County and those they serve so well.”
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
and Vista Color
for their efforts in converting their operations to make ventilators and personal protective equipment.
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.
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