VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Sentara donated nearly $2.3 million to the United Way and other regional nonprofits to create healthier communities in Hampton Roads.
Sentara employees raised roughly $1.5 million as part of the health system's United Way Campaign. Sentara said the rest of the funding comes from Sentara's Charitable Matching Program — donating an additional $782,657.
“We know that in this community, we have families that are struggling to make ends meet and kids that are struggling to be successful in school. We know we can make a difference in their lives, but it can’t happen alone,” said Mark Uren, president and CEO of United Way of South Hampton Roads.
Organizers are calling the United Way campaign "the most impactful" Sentara has been involved in ever.
“We are incredibly grateful for what our team members give year in and year out, but it goes beyond that as well," said Dennis Matheis, president and CEO of Sentara Health. "It’s not just the money that we raise for the United Way campaign every year, but it’s the hours that are donated by our team members for causes that range across the gambit in all the areas that we serve across the Commonwealth of Virginia. As I reflect on that, I’m just incredibly grateful to be a leader in this organization and watch the incredible work that goes on day in and day out.”
Uren added that Sentara is United Way's most substantial community donor.