Federated hits big harmony with record breaker
Federated Chairman Jeff Fetters hands over a check for a record $4,537,000 earned from the annual Federated Challenge to elated representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters Sunday night in St. Paul. Shown from left are Patrick Sukhum, Deborah Barge, Michelle Redman, Jackie Scholl Johnson, all of BBBS, and Fetters. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
For this year’s Federated Challenge, there was no sweeter sound than little notes creating big harmonies in the form of generous giving. In the end, the 20th annual fundraiser raised a record $4.5 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), topping last year’s record by a half-million dollars.
The Federated Challenge was held Sunday night at RiverCentre in St. Paul, where 105 businesses, including 26 first timers, and 700 people represented the highest number yet in the history of the gala, which supports youth mentoring in southern Minnesota, statewide and throughout America.
The theme for this year’s event was “Little Notes Create Big Harmonies.” It reminded attendees that individual efforts, no matter how big or small, can collectively make a difference in shaping a brighter future for youth.
“The outpouring of support for the 20th anniversary of this very special cause was simply incredible,” said Jeff Fetters, the outgoing chairman of Federated Insurance. “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.’”
Since 2005, the Federated Challenge has raised more than $57 million for BBBS. Fetters and his late wife, Marty, started co-chairing the event in 2013. Fetters will turn over the reins next year to Nick Lower and his wife Jessica. He will take over as chairman in January.
Federated covers 100% of all the expenses for the gala, allowing every dollar raised to be donated to BBBS. A portion of the donations are set aside for a scholarship program, which provides up to $5,000 per year to qualified littles or to high school bigs who are enrolled in a non-four-year program focusing on apprenticeship, certificate, trade, or technical programs, or community college.
“It warms my heart to share that 281 littles have received scholarships since 2014,” Fetters said. “This includes 36 scholarships given out in 2024. You have helped change the trajectory of a young person’s life for the better.”
During Sunday’s gala, Fetters received a standing ovation for his commitment to the challenge over the past 12 years. In introducing Fetters, Roger Bailey of Federated credited him with bringing so much vision, integrity, and purpose to the challenge.
Several speakers praised Fetters throughout the hours-long program.
“Jeff and Marty have brought transformational change,” said Jackie Scholl Johnson, executive director of BBBS of Central Minnesota. “Jeff is the heart of the Federated Challenge. His influence reaches beyond Minnesota and will be felt for decades to come.”
While addressing the crowd, Fetters said it was an emotional night for him as it would be his last as host of the event.
“I wonder how many families are stronger because of the mission of BBBS,” he said. “We have helped them realize their dreams.”
Fetters said no one has a bigger heart for BBBS than Federated employees. One of them, Todd Egbert, was featured at the event with his little, Nate.
“He has changed my life more than he knows,” Egbert said. “One little decision I made eight years ago turned out to be a big one for me. The power of mentorship is alive and well and growing each day.”
More than 4,000 youth are served through BBBS in Minnesota alone each year. Currently, 900 kids are on the waiting list for mentors.
“If you can change one life, you can change the world,” said Chuck Spevacek, who was recognized as the 2024 Federated Challenge honoree. He represents Meagher & Geer, one of the leading insurance coverage firms in the U.S. and an active partner with BBBS.
The Federated Challenge was founded as a two-day fundraising event hosted by Federated. On Monday, participants in the challenge had the opportunity to play at the internationally acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska.
“It has been an honor to chair this incredible endeavor for the past 12 years,” Fetters said. “Supporters 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. I look forward to seeing how the inspiring work of BBBS continues to shape our communities for years to come.”