YET ANOTHER RECORD BUSTER

It proved to be yet another record-breaking night for the Federated Challenge as the annual fundraiser shattered its previous record by more than a half million dollars.

The Challenge, which has become a signature event hosted by Owatonna’s Federated Insurance for the past 22 years, hauled in $5,488,000 Sunday night at St. Paul RiverCentre. All the funds benefit youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, not only in Minnesota but nationally.

Challenge co-chairs Nicholas Lower and his wife Jessica hosted the black-tie gala for a record 800 guests. In addition, the gala featured a record 131 corporate sponsors with 31 new sponsors for this year alone. This year’s theme was “Building Big Futures.” The Federated Challenge is the largest private charity event in Minnesota.

“This is an evening that we will remember forever,” said Nicholas Lower, who also serves as chairman, president and CEO of Federated. Added Jessica, “Your generation will create opportunities for kids you will never meet.”

With this year’s record, the Challenge has now raised $67 million for BBBS since 2005. Roger Bailey of Federated, who served as the event’s MC, stressed that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to BBBS.

“It’s all about building bigger futures,” said Bailey. “This is life-changing friendships investing in youth across America.”

Nicholas Lower told the audience, “Every young person deserves to know their future matters. We will make a difference. BBBS has a blueprint for success. Your support will build success for youth.”

Pro football hall of famer Cris Carter, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, was the keynote speaker. He shared details about a troubled past as a young football player. He proudly professed that he has experienced 35 years of sobriety with “not one drink.”

Carter’s sobriety led him to be adopted as a big brother through the BBBS program. Choking back tears, he said, “The men in my life meant everything.” He credited the late Minnesota businessman Wheelock Whitney Jr. with developing him into the person he is today.

“They need someone to believe in them,” Carter said of young people. “Let’s not change the world. Let’s change the world those young people live in.”

Benike Construction was recognized as the Challenge honoree. Benike, which is a fourth-generation commercial construction and renovation company based in Rochester, has been involved with the Challenge for its entire existence. “Excitement is building big futures,” said Mike Benike in accepting the honor.

This year’s featured big/little couple was Cindy Emanuelson of Owatonna, along with her little Savannah, who is now an adult. “I’m proud to be Savannah’s big sister,” said Emanuelson, who recently retired after 37 years at Federated.

Emanuelson said she was an empty nester who had extra time on her hands. “Savannah has positively impacted me to fill the void and be around young people,” she said, adding she ended up with a relationship that will likely last a lifetime.

“We are better together,” she says. “Our paths would not have crossed without this program.”

Savannah shared how she no longer had a father in her life once her parents divorced. Emanuelson stepped into that role and did many activities with Savannah. “Every moment has been meaningful,” Savannah said. She noted Emanuelson has been in her life almost longer than her father had been up until the divorce.

“She consistently believes in me,” Savannah said. “I always had someone in my corner. The difference you have made in my life is immeasurable. They change lives that are impossible to measure.”

This was the second year that Nicholas and Jessica Lower have co-hosted the Challenge. In what has become Lower’s true fashion, he offered gratitude to those supporting the Challenge.

“When you invest in young people, we build something far better than this evening,” he said. “We will build big futures.”

The two-day event continued Monday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska with a golf event.