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The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction ↗

The Federated Challenge® Garners $2.7 Million for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Words: Pat AbouMore than 50 prominent businesses and several hundred private citizens gathered at The Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Sunday, August 6, 2017, for the thirteenth annual Federated Challenge for Kids of Minnesota. Overwhelming generosity on the part of corporate sponsors and attendees generated more than $2.7 million during this charitable event. One hundred percent of the money raised will be donated to Minnesota’s three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies to support operations and the Federated Challenge Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund provides up to $5,000 per year to qualified Littles and high school-aged Bigs enrolled in a non-four-year program at a trade or technical school or community college that focuses on career-ready skills training.

The 2017 Federated Challenge, emceed by Dave Lee from WCCO Radio, featured a Mentor…Reveal the Magic-themed gala and auction with a high-energy keynote address from the University of Minnesota head football coach PJ Fleck. Performances included a Minnesota born and raised magician Justin Flom, along with, an inspiring performance by a children’s choir made up of Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Wells Fargo along with its Minnesota CEO David Kvamme were honored during the evening for their longstanding support and commitment to youth mentoring. On Monday, August 7, Federated Challenge attendees reconvened for a round of golf at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota.

“The Federated Challenge continues to raise funds for young people facing adversity throughout the state. The success of this event is made possible thanks to the leadership of our corporate sponsors, including The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Sit Investment Associates, Holborn, Rosen’s Diversified, Inc., Wells Fargo, Cigna, and Hartford Steam Boiler- Munich Re.” Federated Challenge Co-Chair Jeff Fetters said. “The state of Minnesota and countless young people have a brighter future because of their corporate citizenship. We are proud to join these respected organizations in support of youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

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 thirteenth year, this event has raised more than $30 million for youth mentoring programs.
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