Tee Up for Equity raises record funds in 7th year, drawing 100+ golfers
The 7th annual United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) Tee Up for Equity Oct. 7 raised a record $75,000 to support education in Loudoun County, Va.
The annual event drew 120 golfers and is hosted by Josh Etemadi, United Way NCA Board Member, at Topgolf Loudoun.
“Tee Up for Equity allows us to support those families who were just like mine—working and hoping that an unexpected medical bill or a broken-down car won’t set them back,” Etemadi said. “Through my involvement with United Way NCA, I have seen the impact events like Tee Up for Equity make in the communities we serve. Despite the fact this county is the richest county in the nation almost, there still is a lot of need. There (are) a lot of kids who go home hungry who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. The work we’re doing here is going to fix that.”
Tee Up for Equity supports the Loudoun Education Foundation (LEF) and its efforts to stock school food pantries and snack programs in dozens of Loudoun County Schools.
“Funds from United Way (NCA) are helping Loudoun Education Foundation remove barriers to student success through weekend meal bags and meals through in-school pantries,” LEF Executive Director Danielle Nadler said.
In the 2025-26 school year, LEF’s Fueled program serves 61 Loudoun County schools, distributing nearly 55,000 meal bags, serving 21 in-school pantries, providing more than 2,000 pounds of fresh produce and 214 pounds of meat.
Sterling Middle School’s Pioneer Reading Program saw significant gains in literacy and English proficiency scores by, in part, offering schoolwide snacks provided by LEF.
“Each and every one of you are making a difference in our impact areas of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security just by being here today,” United Way NCA Vice President of Development and Philanthropy Christina Alexander said.
The annual fundraiser supports ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) students and families in Loudoun County, where the Household Survival Budget for a family of four is $123,480.
“Some people are thriving and a lot of people are struggling to get by and United Way focuses on the ALICE community. Even in places like Loudoun County, there are needs,” United Way NCA Board Member and Tee Up for Equity Eagle Sponsor Erik Causey said. “There are folks living on the margins, living below the margins, fully employed, but struggling to get by, and United Way NCA is the place to give them that help. So, I feel inspired as I leave here today.”
The event brings together construction industry professionals from across the region and country. Sponsors included R2DTS, Hannon Electric, Potomac Metals, and District Bonding, LLC.
“Below the surface, there’s a lot of families who have needs that aren’t being met and United Way is meeting those needs,” Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens said.
Tee Up for Equity is one way United Way NCA supports ALICE families across the region. To help students and families build a stronger future, learn how you can get involved.
