STEVENS POINT − Sentry donated another $1 million to programs in Maui to help support hunger relief, the native forest and ecosystem and local mental health efforts.
Sentry presented the donations Jan. 5 and broadcast the program on its Facebook page.
According to a Jan. 6 announcement, Sentry is continuing to build and foster relationships with Maui through its title sponsorship of The Sentry PGA Tour in Hawaii. Although this year’s tournament was canceled due to drought conditions that made playing golf impossible, Sentry wanted to continue its contributions and partnership with the island.
Pete McPartland, Sentry’s chairman and CEO, said the relationships built with partners in Maui continue to guide Sentry’s commitment to supporting the Maui community.
“We admire the resilience of the Maui community but also recognize that needs remain high as rebuilding continues,” McPartland said in a news release issued by Sentry. “We know these three organizations are well-equipped to help the community move forward – because we’ve watched their dedication up close for many years.”
Sentry representatives recently met with Maui partners at the University of Hawaii Maui College campus to present the donations.
Maui Food Bank
Sentry donated $250,000 to Maui Food Bank to support local food distribution and to help provide hunger relief to local families.
Lisa Paulson, Maui Food Bank’s CEO, said the organization is deeply grateful for Sentry’s support.
“This gift will help us provide safe, nutritious food and hope to thousands of families across Maui who are at risk of going hungry,” Paulson said.
Aloha Pu’u Kukui
Sentry donated $250,000 to Aloha Pu’u Kukui to help restore native Hawaiian forest and the ecosystem that captures rain and provides water. The efforts of the organization help protect long-term environmental health, according to the release.
Kainoa Pestana, the conservation manager for Pu’u Kukui Watershed, said the donation lets the organization accelerate its restoration work.
“Sentry’s donation allows us to accelerate our work – keeping invasive plants and animals out of the forest, restoring damaged lands, planting native trees and shrubs, and preserving the natural beauty and balance of the island for future generations,” Pestana said in the release.
Maui United Way
Sentry donated $500,000 to Maui United Way to help support the Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki initiative that was launched in 2023 to help provide trauma-informed mental health services for children and families after the Lahaina wildfires. In that time, Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki has helped more than 7,690 children and families, according to the release. The program continues to offer mental health services, providing counseling, stress management, cultural training and community efforts.
Sentry has donated $2.5 million to this effort since November 2023, according to the release.
Jeeyun Lee, the CEO of Maui United Way, said the program has shown how targeted, trauma-informed care can help bring healing and resilience to the community.
“This new funding will allow us to continue to reach more children and families while also strengthening and sustaining the local providers who serve them, helping prevent burnout, build skills, and ensure a more resilient Maui County,” Lee said in the release.
More about the Stevens Point and Maui partnership
In January 2022, the mayors of Stevens Point and Kapaula, Hawaii, signed proclamations declaring January as Maui-Stevens Point Connected Communities moth, a result of Sentry’s work through Sentry Tournament of Champions.
The connection started and grew as Sentry became the golf tournament’s title sponsor in 2018 and grew the relationship from there. Over the years, Sentry created a scholarship program for graduates of Maui County public high schools, provided financial support for COVID-19 relief efforts and addressed childhood hunger in Maui County.
In January 2023, Sentry, Stevens Point Brewery and Kohola Brewery announced a collaboration between Stevens Point and Kapaula to create a Hula Badger IPA. The brew combined rich culture of Stevens Point with tropical vibes of Lahaina.
In August 2023, at least 114 people died in Lahaina, more than 2,000 structures were destroyed, and agencies estimated the fire caused between $4 and $6 billion in property damage and business interruption, according to a USA TODAY report.
Later that month, Sentry announced it would contribute an initial donation of $275,000 to help with immediate relief and recovery. It also announced the Sentry Foundation would match dollar-for-dollar donations by Sentry associates and retirees to go to the Maui United Way’s Fire Disaster Relief Fund.
Sentry has continued its contributions to help with relief and recovery, including an additional $1 million donation to help support youth mental health through the Maui United Way, announced Dec. 31, 2024.
Contact Caitlin at cshuda@usatodayco.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Sentry donates $1M for hunger, native forests, mental health in Maui
Reporting by Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
