PGA Tour Player Tony Finau and Utah business leaders come together to support literacy programs aimed at helping Utah children read at grade level by 2030
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 20, 2026) — Utah leaders gathered Tuesday at The Country Club for The Readers Cup, a charity golf event that raised $1 million to help Utah children become confident, capable readers. Proceeds support Utah Community Builders’ Literacy Match program and The Tony Finau Foundation Literacy Center, advancing Utah Rising’s goal of 100% third-grade reading proficiency by 2030.
This charity event featured a six-hole scramble followed by a special six-hole exhibition showcasing four of Utah’s top golfers, including PGA Tour player and literacy advocate, Tony Finau. Supporters of the event included the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, The Boyer Company, Jeff and Sonia Woodbury and many others.
“Utah Rising was built on the fact that when Utah leaders work together, we can solve the challenges facing our state and build a better future for the next generation,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Utah Chamber. “At The Readers Cup, Utah leaders showed what that looks like for our youngest readers. These dollars will reach classrooms where educators have identified exactly what their students need and our children will benefit far into the future.”
More than 50,000 Utah K-3 students are not yet reading on grade level. Third grade is a critical milestone, and students who read proficiently by the end of that year are far more likely to graduate from high school. The challenge is solvable. Research shows that with consistent, evidence-based support, the vast majority of young readers who fall behind can catch up, and Utah leaders are working together to provide that support.
“Reading opens the door to everything a child can learn and become,” said Christine Ivory, president of the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation. “Clark and I have seen what happens when teachers, families and communities invest in early readers. The generosity shown at The Readers Cup will reach classrooms across Utah and give more children the confidence that comes from picking up a book and reading on their own.”
The $1 million in funds raised through The Readers Cup supports two incredible programs serving Utah children. Literacy Match is a new program from Utah Community Builders that connects businesses and donors with specific kindergarten through third-grade literacy needs identified by Utah elementary schools. Donors choose the type of support they want to provide, Utah Community Builders pairs them with a matching school need and participating schools report back on how the funds were used. Support ranges from classroom literacy materials and family literacy nights to intervention resources, literacy staffing and multi-school initiatives. The Tony Finau Foundation empowers families through reading, educational support and community connection. Its literacy center in West Valley City focuses on improving literacy for the whole family while providing basic needs and mental health resources.
“I grew up in Salt Lake City, and I want every kid in this state to have the chance to discover what they’re capable of,” said Finau, founder of the Tony Finau Foundation. “Reading is where that starts. Seeing Utah’s business and community leaders come together for our kids means a lot to me and my family.”
Businesses and individuals who want to join the effort can get started with Literacy Match by completing this form and get involved with the Tony Finau Foundation here. More information about Utah Rising is available at utahrising.com.
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About Utah Community Builders
Utah Community Builders, a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, creates a platform for businesses to engage our most pressing challenges, harnessing the innovation and efficiency of the private sector to drive real progress on community issues affecting our businesses, workforce, families and all Utahns.
About the Salt Lake Chamber
The Salt Lake Chamber is Utah’s largest and longest-serving business association, and part of the Utah Chamber portfolio. It represents the broad interests of the Salt Lake metropolitan area, its employers, Chamber members and employees. With roots that date back to 1887, the Chamber stands as the voice of business, supports its members’ success and champions community prosperity.
About the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation
The Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation was established in 2003 and operates in service of its core goal to help build sustainable communities, meet critical demands in education (with a particular focus on improving early childhood literacy) and address housing affordability. With an eye toward the future, the Foundation continues to serve both individual needs and systemic challenges. Through strategic collaboration with essential service providers, fellow philanthropists and visionary leaders, the Foundation aims to uplift and shape a more equitable and opportunity-rich future.
