This year, both GEICO and Sentara Healthcare are once again “Million Dollar Club” members of United Way of South Hampton Roads (UWSHR) with employees at each company raising over $1 million for local nonprofits.

As part of the annual workplace campaign, UWSHR’s primary source of revenue for investment in the community, both companies encourage their employees to participate in giving back to the local community with their time and treasure. This year, GEICO employees have pledged over $1.2 million and Sentara Healthcare employees have pledged over $1.3 million. Their support isn’t just monetary; both organizations are committed to giving back through volunteerism, volunteering hundreds of hours through service projects as well as committees and boards.

• Sentara and GEICO participated in UWSHR’s annual Day of Caring where 1,200 volunteers came together to complete over 100 volunteer projects at local nonprofit agencies.
• GEICO hosted a teacher appreciation breakfast at Lindenwood Elementary School to recognize the educators for all their hard work.
• Sentara employees adopted eight struggling families for the holidays, purchasing gifts to ensure the children experienced the joy and blessings of the season.
• GEICO packed and donated over 350 backpacks full of school supplies, 300 care packages and 900 books to local students to ensure they have what they need to be successful in school.

Additionally, both organizations made significant gifts to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund, which UWSHR administered to raise funds for the victims of the May 31 tragedy that struck our community.

“UWSHR positively impacts so many people in our community and GEICO is proud to support their mission,” said John Pham, Regional Vice President at GEICO, who also served as the chair for this year’s UWSHR campaign. “We’re so proud of our thousands of local associates who are active, longtime supporters and are the ones who make our campaign great. Our associates are happy to give back because they see the good that is being done right here in our own neighborhoods, and strong communities make strong companies.”

“Helping those in need has always been a top priority of Sentara and Optima employees, as well as our organization as a whole,” said Howard P. Kern, President and CEO of Sentara Healthcare. “As part of our mission to improve health every day, our commitment extends well beyond our walls into the communities we serve. This pledge is just one example of our employees’ dedication, and I continue to be inspired by their generosity every day.”

In addition to these high dollar contributors, UWSHR is fortunate to have nine other organizations each raising over $150,000 through their United Way campaign. Those include: Checkered Flag, Christian Broadcasting Network and Operation Blessing, City of Virginia Beach, Dominion Enterprises, Norfolk Southern, PRA Group, TowneBank, USAA and Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Together, these organizations give over $2.7 million to the community through United Way, making a difference for local children, veterans and families.

“We are so thankful for GEICO, Sentara Healthcare and our other corporate partners,” said Michele Anderson, President and CEO of UWSHR. “Their leaders and employees donate their time, talents and treasure, and we truly couldn’t do our work without their support.”

With the support of these corporate partners, UWSHR has invested over $12 million in local nonprofits and programs this year. The following are some highlighted results of those investments:

• 2.3 million meals served to over 50,000 individuals and families
• 644 veterans and military-connected families connected to critical services like housing, transportation and utility assistance
• 5,373 children improved their literacy through tutoring and access to books
• 1,600 children assessed for developmental milestones
• Over 3,500 youth served through engaging summer and after-school programs