TDS teams up with Forward Madison to benefit One City Schools
The Madison, Wisconsin non-profit receives special recognition at soccer game, school supply donations, plus $6K to support its charter schools
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) and Forward Madison kicked off the new academic year by supporting a Madison-area charter school district. TDS and Forward Madison presented a $6,000 check for One City Schools to Founder and CEO Kaleem Caire at the September 20 Forward Madison match against the Northern Colorado Hailstorm. TDS also donated a rooftop party that evening to One City staff and their families, plus Forward Madison game attendees were encouraged to bring a school supply donation.
“Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and giving back are core parts of the TDS culture,” explains TDS Associate Manager of Field Marketing Laurie Gerner. “We were delighted to work with Forward Madison to support an area non-profit with such a worthy mission while also celebrating the hard-working staff who make a difference every single day.”
TDS donated $5,000 and Forward Madison gave $1,000 to the free public charter school. Founded in 2015, One City’s mission is to help close the achievement and opportunity gaps that persist for children of color and under-resourced children.
“We are truly grateful to have the support of TDS and Forward Madison,” says Caire. “Through the unique tutoring and reading success program we offer at One City Schools, this support will help us cultivate strong readers by giving our tutors and young scholars access to reading tools and resources that will help our scholars develop effective reading and math skills at school and at home. We cannot thank TDS and Forward Madison enough for their investment in our children and schools.”
The Forward Madison organization is no stranger to hosting giveback events that benefit the Madison area, including their June Prideraiser for GSAFE, along with partnerships with a variety of area non-profits. "Forward Madison is grateful to partner with TDS in its work with One City Schools to ensure children and teens are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program,” says Forward Madison Manager of Partnership Activation Taylor Pieper. “Thank you to TDS for the continued commitment to Forward Madison, One City Schools, and the Madison community!"
Madison-headquartered TDS has a strong history of giving back in the communities it serves. TDS is giving $150,000 to support the construction of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture on West Badger Road in Madison. The company also donated $20,000 last December to food pantries across the Madison area. Beyond monetary gifts and sponsorships, the company also has a program that gives TDS associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer.
