2020 Federated Challenge: Virtually Together
August 17, 2020
Virtually Together
The 2020 Federated Challenge® raises more than $3 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters®
The 2020 Federated Challenge® raised a record-breaking $3,087,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters®, during its first-ever virtual gala on Sunday, July 26. Even during this unprecedented time in history, a record 61 prominent businesses and more than 500 attendees logged on to their computers and mobile devices to support youth mentoring in Minnesota and throughout America.
“We knew in our hearts that canceling this year’s event was not an option,” said Federated Insurance Chairman and CEO Jeff Fetters. “And that decision became more significant this year than ever before, as many kids have been patiently waiting to be matched with a Big. The event set that in motion – opening the door to create strong bonds and long-lasting friendships.”
Every dollar 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 earmarked 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. Since the program’s inception, close to 100 students have benefited from the scholarship fund and are earning job-ready training degrees with little to no debt.
Fetters added, “We may have been apart, but we still came together to help Big Brothers Big Sisters matches ignite potential.”
The virtual gala – hosted by Co-chairs Jeff and Marty Fetters – featured WCCO veteran broadcaster Dave Lee. The event included special messages from members of the Minnesota Gophers athletic department, Minnesota United Football Club, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Guests also heard powerful mentoring success stories from Big Don MacPherson, Little Shakeel Nelson, and Little Isaih Handy.
“Collectively, the funds we raised during this event will directly support countless young people,” added Fetters. “The Federated Challenge continues to be a first-class event, whether it’s held in person or virtually. Most importantly, it continues to rally people around a cause that empowers youth and strengthens communities. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is one we proudly stand behind.”
The Federated Challenge was founded in 2004 as a two-day fund-raising event hosted by Federated Insurance, a commercial insurance company headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota. Now in its sixteenth year, this event has raised more than $41 million for youth mentoring programs.
“Federated Insurance has partnered with MENTOR Minnesota since 2002. With their support, we continue to be able to uplift evidence-based best practices in the mentoring field and grow the movement together. It comes as no surprise to us that they have stepped up their commitments to mentoring and BBBS when our young people are at an even greater risk of social isolation, absenteeism, and disconnection as a result of COVID-19. We are honored to partner with Federated Insurance and commend them on their successful fundraiser” Sarah Schaefer, Interim Executive Director, MENTOR Minnesota
