The 2024 Federated Challenge raised a record-breaking $4,537,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters during its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 28. This year saw the highest number of sponsors and attendees yet, with 105 incredible businesses (26 of which were new to the Federated Challenge this year) and nearly 700 generous people attending the gala to support youth mentoring in Minnesota and throughout America.
“The outpouring of support for the 20th anniversary of this very special cause was simply incredible,” said Federated Insurance Chairman and Federated Challenge Chair Jeff Fetters. “For two decades, the Federated Challenge has been more than just an event. It’s a promise. When we invest in youth, we are not just funding programs; we are fueling dreams. We’re saying to every young person, ‘Your journey matters to us.’”
Federated Insurance covers 100% of all Federated Challenge expenses, so every dollar raised will be donated to Minnesota’s three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America®. These organizations are creating powerful one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). A portion of the donations are set aside for the Federated Challenge Scholarship Program which provides up to $5,000 per year to qualified Littles or high school Bigs enrolled in a non-four-year program focusing on apprenticeship, certificate, trade school, technical, or community college. Hundreds of students have benefited from this fund and are earning job-ready training degrees with little to no debt.
“It warms my heart to share that 281 Littles have received scholarships since 2014,” said Fetters. “This includes 36 scholarships given out in 2024. You have helped change the trajectory of a young person’s life for the better.”
The theme for this year’s Federated Challenge was “Little Notes Create Big Harmonies,” and it served as a reminder that individual efforts, no matter how big or small, can collectively make a difference in shaping a brighter future for our nation’s youth.
During the event, Fetters noted that, “It takes very little to be big. One simply needs to open their heart, step forward, and give what they can. A few moments of time, a few words of encouragement, a few dollars of funding. Those little moments and little choices add up to a big impact on the life of a young person. Each person here tonight is contributing a little note to the tremendous symphony being created by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization across Minnesota and our country.”
The event featured renowned radio personality, Dave Lee, and the charismatic master auctioneer, Glen Fladeboe. Guests of the black-tie gala enjoyed dinner at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, while listening to performances by Grammy-nominated, singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc.
The gala’s program featured heartfelt and inspirational messages from the executive directors of Minnesota’s three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. They spoke on the profound impact that the Federated Challenge has on their organization and on Big Brothers Big Sisters as a whole.
Chuck Spevacek, of Meagher & Geer, was recognized as this year’s Federated Challenge Honoree. Additionally, all 20-year sponsors were recognized during the program in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Federated Challenge.
On Monday, July 29, participants of the Federated Challenge had the opportunity to play at the internationally acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. This prestigious venue is set to host the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship, 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and the 2029 Ryder Cup.
“It has been an honor to Chair this incredible endeavor for the past twelve years,” Fetters said.Fetters will retire at the end of 2024 and pass the mantle of leadership for the Federated Challenge onto Federated Insurance President and CEO Nick Lower, and his wife, Jessica, at that time.
“Supporters of the Federated Challenge are among the finest organizations and individuals in the nation. The collective, positive impact we’ve had on a generation of young people is truly incredible,” Fetter continued. “I look forward to seeing how the inspiring work of Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to shape our communities for years to come.”
The Federated Challenge was founded as a two-day fundraising event hosted by Federated Insurance, a commercial insurance company headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota. Now in its 20th year, this event has raised nearly $57 million for youth mentoring programs in the past 20 years.
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