Community News 27 July 2023

TRANSFORMATIONAL

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Federated, Challenge, 2023
Federated Chairman Jeff Fetters proudly hands over a record-breaking check of $4,012,000 to representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters from this year’s Federated Challenge Sunday night at the River Centre in St. Paul. Since 2005, the Federated Challenge has raised more than $52 million for the organization benefiting Minnesota’s youth being paired up with mentors. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
Federated Challenge sets record with $4M for youth mentoring
By
Rick Bussler, Publisher
“All of you are part of something transformational.”
-Jeff Fetters, Federated Chairman

From the opening remarks to the final presentation of the check, it was clear something big was going to happen.

“All of you are part of something transformational,” Jeff Fetters, chairman of Federated Insurance, told the audience at the start of Sunday night’s Federated Challenge Gala at RiverCentre in St. Paul.

And transformational it was.

In less than three hours, the Federated Challenge raised $4,012,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization dedicated to changing lives through youth mentoring.

Over the past 19 years, the Federated Challenge has brought in $52 million for BBBS.

Eighty-six businesses were represented at this year’s gala, including 18 new ones. The Challenge started in 2005 with 30 businesses supporting the cause.

BBBS littles Delaney and Isaiah joined Fetters on the stage as hosts of the Challenge. The trio also greeted audience members before the program got underway.

Artis Stevens, president and CEO of BBBS of America, was a keynote speaker at the gala. He publicly thanked Fetters for everything he has done to help BBBS. “The work and friendship means the world to me,” Stevens said.

Stevens said he knows first-hand what mentoring does. “It’s a mission that works,” he said. “It’s a mission that is phenomenal.

The work of Big Brothers, Stevens said, has become as the center of the mental health crisis facing America. He said the mentoring offered through BBBS helps “so people don’t feel isolated.” He added, “That’s the power of what we do and the support you provide.”

There are about 20 million alumni of BBBS, according to Stevens. “People need a positive mentor in their life,” he said. “You have the greatest power in the world—the power to change a life.”

Another keynote speaker, Shari Ballard, CEO of Minnesota United Football Club, said that investing in other people cannot be overstated, and the Challenge helps people learn how to have impact. “Thanks to Federated for its vision. It’s an inspiration to all of us and makes us want to be better,” she said.

The Federated Challenge began while Al Annexstad served as chairman of Federated Insurance. Fetters said Annexstad had planned to be at this year’s challenge, but he died two weeks ago. Heartfelt gratitude was sent to the Annexstad family for his vision, which bolsters thousands of kids having a bigger vision of their lives, Fetters said.

Jeff Fetters and his late wife, Marty, started co-chairing the Challenge in 2013. Their passion for youth mentoring started early on when they signed up to be a Big Couple through BBBS. They were matched with their little, Mackenzie, who was 11 years old at the time. Jeff and Marty stood by Mackenzie’s side through her formative years and helped guide her through high school and nurtured her love for cooking. She is now thriving in her career as a chef.

Rev. Todd Buegler of Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna provided the invocation at the gala. Owatonna native Tim Sigler’s band performed throughout the evening.