The fifth annual Federated Challenge for Kids of Minnesota, hosted by Owatonna-based Federated Insurance, raised more than $3 million to support youth mentoring programs and higher education for Minnesota’s at-risk children served by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, company officials have announced.
Federated Chairman and CEO Al Annexstad and his wife, Cathy, hosted the event, held Aug. 9 and 10.
"Thanks to our growing list of corporate and individual sponsors, funding from the Federated Challenge will help change the lives of a lot of deserving kids," said Al Annexstad. "Our effort represents a major investment in Minnesota’s future. Cathy and I are profoundly grateful to our sponsors and to our Federated employees who worked tirelessly to make it all happen."
After five successful years, the charity event continues to grow, attracting new sponsors and support, Federated officials said.
The Federated Challenge is now one of Minnesota's largest charitable fundraising events. This year's event — supported by the presenting sponsor Starkey Hearing and the local executive sponsor J-C Press, along with several of Minnesota's and the nation's flagship companies — raised $3,009,000, the company said. Since 2005, the event has raised nearly $10 million for Minnesota’s children.
Federated Insurance and its employees are one of the country's leading contributors to local nonprofit organizations, including the United Way of Steele County, the Steele County Food Shelf, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota.