Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

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.
 0
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Anton Shadrock
Case Study
Read More
Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Technical Talks
Read More
Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr

Dawn Rogers
Industry News
Read More