It released in 1957, only one year after his debut record. The idea was to put out a mostly Christmas, but also gospel themed record to see how it would perform. The result is what is now the highest-selling Christmas album of all time.

TDS Telecom (TDS®) is proud to take part in the 14th annual FCI Art Show & Auction for the Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM), which serves West Madison, Middleton, and Cross Plains. TDS donated 24 antique phones ranging from wooden crank phones to rotary phones as well as collector plates. The Madison-based telecommunications company purchased the collection from the family of former TDS Telecom associate and MOM Executive Director Al Ripp who passed away unexpectedly in 2017.

“Al was an incredible person whose passion for the telecommunications industry and its history was only surpassed by his desire to help others,” said TDS President and CEO Jim Butman. “It seems fitting that his phones will raise money for a cause that he cared so deeply about.”
Ripp was an associate at TDS for 37 years and took the helm of MOM shortly after his retirement. When MOM wrote about his sudden death four years ago on its website, the organization called Ripp, “Mr. Middleton. The very best of the community. The right Dad for MOM. Role model. A community hero, and friend.”

“Al was a valued associate at TDS; people remember him as a compassionate and caring person,” said Butman. “This donation allows his legacy to live on, and for more charitable works to be done in his name. We encourage everyone to explore all of the antiques and artwork in this auction.”
Online bidding for the FCI Art & Auction begins Oct. 9. The in-person event occurs Thursday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at FCI, 2551 Parmenter Street, Middleton. All proceeds will benefit MOM’s effort to prevent homelessness and end hunger.