Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Minnesota based in St. Cloud recently received a check for $300,000 from The Federated Insurance Foundation. The funds came from a two day event held this past summer, established by the Federated Insurance Foundation called Federated Challenge for Kids of Minnesota. Since 2005, BBBS of Central Minnesota has received $1.6 million from the Federated Challenge, which is the largest single source of funding in the organization’s history.

The Central Minnesota Branch is one of three BBBS agencies in Minnesota including the Twin Cities agency and the Owatonna agency. Together Minnesota BBBS serve over 5,000 children in the state and always have several hundred more on waiting lists.

Jackie Scholl Johnson, Executive Director of BBBS of Central MN is extending the groups deepest appreciation not only to the Federated Challenge but also to Federated Insurance Chairman and Co-chair of the foundation, Al Annexstand had his wife Cathy. “Because of their generosity, Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to match more youth who are facing adversity with a caring and guiding mentor.”