The Sheldon Puritz Journalism Focus Fund
An avid consumer of news, Sheldon Puritz loved public media and had a deep respect for journalism and the role it plays in a healthy democracy. In memory of Sheldon and in honor of what would have been his 100th birthday on August 14, 2026, his daughter and son-in-law, Holly Puritz and Steve Wohlgemuth, made a significant gift to WHRO News to establish the Sheldon Puritz Journalism Focus Fund. Gifts to the Sheldon Puritz Journalism Focus Fund ensure the future of trustworthy, local journalism in Eastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
WHRO Public Media is the largest single media organization in the region, with five television stations, five radio stations, and a multitude of powerful digital platforms. PBS, along with its member stations, has been named most trusted media institution for over two decades. Local news from WHRO is delivered via email every weekday to over 110,000 inboxes, and, each Friday at noon, WHRO Weekly Edition on WHRV-FM 89.5 is a go-to source for the latest comprehensive local and regional news, keeping listeners informed about stories and issues that matter most to the community.
With a robust infrastructure and proven track record as a trusted and recognized brand, WHRO will ensure that the region does not become a news desert. Since its inception, WHRO News, including the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism (VCIF) at WHRO, has been recognized and garnered national awards for impactful reporting that affects not only the communities of Eastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, but communities across the country.
Gifts to the Sheldon Puritz Journalism Focus Fund will support the expansion of the newsroom and its talented and diverse team of local journalists.
For more information about supporting the Sheldon Puritz Journalism Focus Fund, please contact:
Kate Pringle, CFRE
Vice President of Development
kate.pringle@whro.org
757.889.9370