Meagher + Geer is proud to announce that Partner, Chuck Spevacek, was recognized as the 2024 Federated Challenge Honoree for his long-time support of the Federated Challenge®: Supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters®.

The 2024 Federated Challenge raised a record-breaking $4,537,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters during its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 28. This year saw the highest number of sponsors and attendees yet, with 105 incredible businesses (26 of which were new to the Federated Challenge this year) and nearly 700 generous people attending the gala to support youth mentoring in Minnesota and throughout America.

Federated Insurance covers 100 percent of all Federated Challenge expenses, so every dollar raised will be donated to Minnesota’s three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America®. A portion of the donations are set aside for the Federated Challenge Scholarship Program which provides up to $5,000 per year to qualified Littles or high school Bigs enrolled in a non-four-year program focusing on apprenticeship, certificate, trade school, technical, or community college. Hundreds of students have benefited from this fund and are earning job-ready training degrees with little to no debt.

The theme for this year’s Federated Challenge was Little Notes Create Big Harmonies, and it served as a reminder that individual efforts, no matter how big or small, can collectively make a difference in shaping a brighter future for our nation’s youth.

During the event, Federated Insurance® Chairman and Federated Challenge Chair Jeff Fetters noted that, “It takes very little to be big. One simply needs to open their heart, step forward, and give what they can. A few moments of time, a few words of encouragement, a few dollars of funding. Those little moments and little choices add up to a big impact on the life of a young person. Each person here tonight is contributing a little note to the tremendous symphony being created by the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization across Minnesota and our country.”

In his remarks upon accepting his recognition as Honoree, Chuck observed, “When Federated names its Honoree I like to think it is recognizing not the person but a virtue that person and organization represents … So when I thought of which virtue we at Meagher + Geer represent, I concluded it’s persistence … We may not be the biggest donor here … but we’ve been here, every year, for twenty years and before … So my message tonight is this: Be persistent in your generosity. Imagine the possibilities if you simply do what you can, every day, day-after-day, month-after-month, year-after-year, to change the world for the better. “

The black-tie gala featured renowned radio personality, Dave Lee and charismatic master auctioneer, Glen Fladeboe. Guests enjoyed dinner at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, while listening to performances by Grammy-nominated, singer-songwriter, Aloe Blacc. They also had the opportunity to hear heartfelt and inspirational messages from the executive directors of Minnesota’s three Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Additionally, all 20-year sponsors were recognized during the program in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Federated Challenge. On Monday, July 29, Federated Challenge attendees reconvened for a round of golf at the internationally acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

The Federated Challenge was founded in as a two-day fund-raising event hosted by Federated Insurance. Now in its 20th year, this event has raised nearly $57 million for youth mentoring programs in the past 20 years. For more information, go to The Federated Challenge.