DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 8, 2020) — The Sentry Insurance Foundation announced today it is donating $50,000 to United Way of the Quad Cities in Bettendorf, Iowa, 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 the Quad Cities is one of 15 donations to local United Way organizations across the country 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.
In the last few weeks, United Way of the Quad Cities has seen a more than 250-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.
“Sentry is going above and beyond to help their employees and the Quad Cities fight the devastating effects of COVID-19,” said Rene Gellerman, President and CEO of United Way of the Quad Cities. “Their donation will make essential resources available to those who need it most and support the longer-term education, income, and health outcomes in our region. We’re grateful to be a recipient of their extraordinary generosity at this critical time.”
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 N° 685 on the Fortune 1000 list. Sentry employs more than 4,300 associates throughout the US, 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.
About United Way of the Quad Cities
United Way believes every Quad Citizen deserves the opportunity to live their best life. These opportunities happen by involving people in volunteerism, advocacy and giving. The result is a mobilized community creating the conditions that improve individual lives and strengthen the Quad Cities.
