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Federated Insurance Celebrates 20 Years of Impactful Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters

December 12, 2024

This week’s Board of Directors meeting was filled with BIG excitement, gratitude, and inspiration! Joining us were Federated Insurance’s Roger Bailey, VP – General Manager, Cooperate Relations & Travel, along with President and CEO Nick Lower and his wife, Jessica—both proud Bigs—who shared extraordinary news: Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities has been awarded an incredible $2.1 million from this year’s Federated Challenge, which raised an impressive and record-setting $4.5 million overall. This generous contribution is a significant commitment to supporting youth in the Twin Cities and shaping the future of mentorship in partnership with the young people we serve.

“This event’s success is attributed to Federated Insurance’s culture of giving and their ability to engage people aligned with their values. Their commitment allows us at Big Brothers Big Sisters to serve more young people and enhance our mentoring programs in the Twin Cities, our state, and beyond,” said Pat Sukhum, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.

A 20-year celebration of mentorship and counting

Federated Insurance generously covers all event expenses for the annual two-day gala and golf tournament. Hosted this summer, the 20th Federated Challenge brought together nearly 700 attendees, including 105 sponsors—26 of whom joined the effort for the first time—to champion youth mentorship in Minnesota and the U.S.

Jeff Fetters, Federated Insurance Chairman and Federated Challenge Chair said, “When we invest in youth, we’re not just funding programs; we’re fueling dreams. We’re saying to every young person, ‘Your journey matters to us.’”

Since its inception, the Federated Challenge has raised nearly $57 million for youth mentoring – every dollar raised directly supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Minnesota’s three chapters, Twin Cities, Southern and Central. Funds also bolster the Federated Challenge Scholarship Program, which awards up to $5,000 annually to Littles in highschool pursuing trade, technical, or community college education.

“We know what Big Brothers Big Sisters does matters, and we see the impact that you provide all the time,” said Roger Bailey as he presented the check to the leadership and board members at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities. 

The presentation was a highlight of the meeting, reinforcing the deep partnership between Federated Insurance and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities as we work together to support youth in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities extends its deepest gratitude to Federated Insurance, the Federated Challenge Core Team, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made the 2024 fundraising gala a success. The Federated Challenge serves as a shining example of what’s possible when individuals and organizations come together with a common purpose: to amplify the power and potential of youth through mentorship.

THANK YOU TO THE 2024 FEDERATED CHALLENGE SPONSORS