In celebration of 50 years of service, Telephone and Data Systems, TDS’ parent company, is supporting communities across the U.S. through its 50 for 50 Golden Year of giving initiative. The company is donating a total of $50,000 to 22 charities nominated and chosen by employees from Telephone and Data Systems, TDS, OneNeck IT Solutions, Suttle-Straus and U.S. Cellular. Employees will vote every month on which two organizations will receive a share of the $50,000.
The celebration of giving began in January and will run through November. In December, employees will vote again from the 22 winning organizations. The two charities with the most votes in December will be awarded additional funds.
Several organizations nominated by TDS employees have already received donations in 2019, including:
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to granting the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. This charity was nominated by TDS Network Specialist Dave McGuigan because of its importance to him and his family. McGuigan’s son was a Make-A-Wish child, ambassador and later served on the Board of Directors for the New Hampshire chapter.
K9 Lifeline Rescue, Inc., is dedicated to helping pets find permanent, loving homes. K9 Lifeline Rescue also supports rural shelters in Wisconsin and Illinois, where adoption rates are low and there’s limited space for animals in need. The organization was nominated by TDS Senior Network Specialist Colleen Remer, who has volunteered as a foster for the organization the past eight years, saving the lives of hundreds of dogs in the process.
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization. They’re committed to promoting patriotism, sponsoring wholesome programs in its communities, and providing support to service members and veterans, among other activities. The organization was nominated by TDS employee Sarah Reister, a former Army Reserve member and current member of the American Legion. Reister grew up knowing the importance of honoring veterans because her father served in the Army and is currently the commander of Post 84 located in Monroe, Wisconsin. Additionally, her uncles served in other military branches and her brother is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves.
Supporting the communities the company serves, as well as the communities of its employees has always been a core value for Telephone and Data Systems. To learn more about future Golden Year of Giving winning charities, stay tuned in to the TDS Newsroom.
Guest blogger: Garrett Seymour
[…] accounts. Throughout 2019, I was responsible for nearly all public relations material regarding the TDS 50 for 50 Golden Year of Giving initiative. In addition to writing the press releases and distributing them to local media, I also posted them […]