When Terakeet employees launched Cause For The Cuse in 2013, they set out with a simple goal: help provide local students with the supplies they need to succeed in school. More than a decade later, that mission continues to grow.
“Our work began with helping provide school supplies but has grown into something much bigger,” said Mac Cummings, CEO and Co-founder of Terakeet.
On July 13, employees, sponsors, and community leaders came together at Skaneateles Country Club for the inaugural Terakeet Invitational, raising a record $151,000 to support educational programs and resources for students in the Syracuse City School District (SCSD).
The event welcomed 108 golfers, 15 volunteers, and representatives from 40 sponsoring organizations, making it Cause For The Cuse’s largest fundraiser to date. Participants included teams from organizations such as Terakeet, Margaritaville, Barclay Damon, and Delmonico Insurance, all united around a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of Syracuse students.
“The golf tournament is Cause For The Cuse’s main fundraiser for the entire year, so it’s really important that we had a successful day,” said Mike Riccardi, strategy director at Terakeet and Cause For The Cuse committee member. “All of our funds go to students in the Syracuse City School District who may be in need, whether it’s technology, clothing or school items, or field trips. We’re excited to find any way we can support the youth in our community.”
The day also featured special support from the Buffalo Bills. A group of Bills players—including Dalton Kincaid, Spencer Brown, and Cole Bishop—collectively donated $5,000 and a collection of signed memorabilia to the fundraiser. Brown and Bishop joined golfers on the course throughout the day, helping raise awareness for Cause For The Cuse’s mission.
“Syracuse is our neighbor, and Bills fans in Central New York are such an important part of our community,” said Brown, offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills. “When Mac [Cummings, Terakeet CEO] asked if I could come out and support Cause For The Cuse and everything they’re doing for students in the SCSD, it was an easy yes. If spending a day on the course and contributing in a small way helps create more educational opportunities for kids, that’s something we’re proud to be part of.”
The impact of Cause For The Cuse extends beyond the start of the school year. Through partnerships with local organizations, the nonprofit helps expand access to educational and enrichment opportunities that many students might not otherwise experience.
“We are so thankful for Cause For The Cuse and their continued support of the MOST’s Science Learning Program,” said Taylor Zimmer, Director of Development & Special Events at the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). “Their partnership helps us provide meaningful stem experiences through the Science Learning Partnership, which welcomes nearly 6,000 Syracuse City School District students into the museum each year for a full day of hands-on science and experimentation.”
For Terakeet employees, the Invitational reflects something bigger than a single day on the golf course. It’s an example of what happens when people come together around a shared purpose—giving back to the community that has been part of Terakeet’s story since the very beginning. Our team’s shared dedication to volunteerism is a perfect encapsulation of some of our core values: Using teamwork and partnership to create meaningful impact within the community.
Mac continued: “Even as Terakeet has grown into a national company, Syracuse will always be home, and investing in the students in our community will continue to be a priority. I’m grateful to every sponsor, golfer and volunteer who helped make this Cause For The Cuse’s largest fundraiser to date by far.”
The inaugural Terakeet Invitational marks the next chapter in Cause For The Cuse’s eight-year golf tournament tradition, expanding its impact through new corporate partnerships, greater community participation, and a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for local students.
