The United Way of Portage County 1999 campaign has reached 28 percent of its goal, with pledges from the largest contributor logged.
Sentry Insurance has contributed $362,813 so far, including a corporate gift of $112,800 and $250,013 in pledges from employees, both increases from last year. Two weeks remain in the company's employee campaign.
"Sentry's commitment to the United Way campaign is tremendous and a real gift to the agencies and people that United Way supports," said 1999 Campaign Chair Tom George, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Sentry and its employees contribute approximately one-fourth of the overall campaign goal.
"We encourage other businesses and individuals to build on that remarkable level of giving as we aim to generate $1,425,000 this fall," George said.
Other organizations that have increased gifts this year are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County, Rerod Inc. and Badger Plastic & Supply Co.
The "Build a Caring Community" campaign began in September with a goal that is a 5.1 percent increase from 1998.
The campaign goal is based on needs of 20 Portage County agencies that will receive United Way funding in the year 2000.
An estimated 40,000 local residents benefited from United Way of Portage County agencies last year. By contributing to the annual fund drive, donors help build a caring community. For more information, please contact the United Way office 341-6740.