With more than $1.2 million pledged by employees during Sentara Healthcare’s United Way workplace giving campaign, Sentara’s combined corporate and employee giving to United Ways across Virginia and North Carolina totaled $2.5 million in 2021.

This inspiring generosity includes a $1 million gift to United Way of South Hampton Roads’ (UWSHR) United for the Future endowment and programmatic campaign. The special campaign will bolster UWSHR’s efforts to serve the Hampton Roads community, and create and fund collaborative solutions that have long-term impact. Sentara Healthcare’s gift represents the largest corporate investment in the campaign and will be used to strengthen United Way’s day-to-day services through investments in program expansion, allowing them to reach more individuals in need, and ensure the organization’s sustainability far into the future.

In addition to this significant contribution to the endowment campaign, Sentara Healthcare has been a loyal supporter of United Way for many years. In 2012, they were the first workplace campaign to join UWSHR’s Million Dollar Club, raising $1 million from employee contributions, and have maintained that level of support ever since. Even in 2020, a year that presented unique and significant challenges for healthcare workers, Sentara Healthcare employees dug deep, surpassing their $1 million goal. In 2021, Sentara employees have once again stepped up, raising over $1.2 million for their community through their annual United Way campaign which provides funding for eight United Ways across Virginia and North Carolina.

“I am grateful to the entire Sentara team for their support of our United Way campaign and appreciative of our staff’s overwhelming support and generosity,” said Howard P. Kern, president and CEO of Sentara Healthcare. “Sentara team members are dedicated to creating a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”

Sentara employees give generously of their time and talents. Each year, Sentara provides at least 25 percent of United Way’s volunteer force for Day of Caring, their largest volunteer event of the year. Additionally, Sentara employees serve on nearly every board and committee at United Way, providing leadership and input that drives the organization’s strategy.

“Like Sentara, we know that the health of an individual and a community is not only about access to quality healthcare but also the social determinants that contribute to overall wellbeing,” said Michele Anderson, president and CEO of United Way of South Hampton Roads. “Education, economic mobility, employment, food, housing, transportation all impact our health, which is why we aim to create solutions that address barriers and ensure all of our neighbors have the opportunity to thrive. Sentara’s ongoing generosity demonstrates the alignment of our missions and their unwavering commitment to caring for our community now and for years to come.”

Sentara Healthcare’s commitment to communities also includes grants totaling $300,000 to support programs led by United Ways across their footprint.

To learn more about the work of United Way, click here.