What happens when passionate associates, fantastic vendors, and generous sponsors come together for a good cause?
For TDS Telecom, it means making history.
The 2026 TDS Open charity golf event raised a record-breaking $308,000, marking the largest charitable contribution in the event’s history. Held at University Ridge Golf Course in Verona, Wisconsin, this year’s fundraiser brought together supporters from across the country to help two nonprofits that are transforming lives in their respective communities.
The proceeds were split evenly between Felicia’s Donation Closet (Madison, Wis.) and Youth Futures (Ogden, Utah), with each organization receiving $154,000 to support their missions.
This achievement builds on the momentum of last year’s milestone event, which pushed cumulative TDS Open donations beyond $1 million since the fundraiser began in 2011. This year, TDS and its supporters raised the bar once again.
“The success of this year’s TDS Open is a testament to what can happen when associates, vendors, and community partners come together to make a difference,” said Drew Petersen, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at TDS Telecom. “Raising a record $308,000 allows us to make a meaningful impact for two organizations that change lives every day, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this achievement possible.”
Supporting new beginnings for domestic abuse survivors
Felicia’s Donation Closet helps survivors of domestic abuse create safe, stable homes by providing furniture and household essentials. Founded by domestic abuse survivor Felicia Raye Diny, the Madison-area nonprofit has helped hundreds of women and children transition from crisis to comfort and independence.
For Diny, the organization’s mission is deeply personal.
“My passion for helping women build independent lives after escaping domestic abuse comes from personal experience,” she said. “Every woman deserves the chance to create a safe, comfortable home for herself and her children. This generous support from TDS will help us continue providing hope, stability, and a fresh start for families when they need it most.”
The donation will help the organization continue serving families who are rebuilding their lives and taking important first steps toward a brighter future.
Creating hope for vulnerable youth
Youth Futures provides emergency shelter, outreach, and support services for homeless, runaway, and unaccompanied youth throughout Southern Utah. Since 2015, the organization has helped thousands of young people access resources, support, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.
“The generosity of TDS will have a lasting impact on the lives of the young people we serve throughout Southern Utah,” said Kristen Mitchell, founder and executive director of Youth Futures. “We’re thankful for TDS’ partnership and commitment to helping vulnerable youth find hope, confidence, and opportunity.”
The funding will help Youth Futures continue its work providing safe shelter and critical services to young people facing difficult circumstances.
A true community effort
The success of the TDS Open would not be possible without the support of sponsors, vendors, associates, and community partners who share TDS’ commitment to giving back.
More than 70 sponsors contributed to this year’s event, including title sponsor Lighthouse Technologies. Significant support also came from Clearfield, Copilot Networks, Millennium Broadband Solutions, PLP, Quanta Telecommunication Solutions, TAK Broadband, Techwave, and many other valued partners.
As the TDS Open continues to grow, so does our company’s ability to support organizations that provide hope, stability, and opportunity for those who need it most—proving once again that when people come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
