M Financial Group was proud to sponsor Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest’s 2025 Rappel for a Reason fundraiser.
As part of M’s ongoing partnership with BBBS Columbia Northwest, Jenn Congdon, Chief People Officer, Michael Schoonmaker, VP & Head of Wealth Solutions, and Jesse Whitethorn, AVP, Technology, braved a rainy Saturday on June 21 to rappel down the 14-story Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center.
In addition to M’s Landing Zone sponsorship, the trio volunteered to help raise funds and increase the positive impact in support of BBBS Columbia Northwest’s mission to connect young people with mentors and drive meaningful change. Collectively, all contributors and rappel teams raised more than $95,000 to help children in the Portland metropolitan area reach their full potential, even in the face of adversity.
“We’re incredibly grateful to M Financial for their support of this year’s ‘Rappel for a Reason’ event,” said Beach Pace, CEO of BBBS Columbia Northwest. “Their sponsorship of the Landing Zone and the courageous participation of three of their leaders elevated the experience tremendously. Together, we’re shining a spotlight on the important impact of mentorship in our community and building a stronger future for hundreds of youths and their families every year.”
For the team at M, the event was an opportunity to reinforce their convictions in support of the nonprofit and the Littles it serves.
“I have rappelled down the sides of mountains when I rock climbed in college with my now husband — but never in a million years did I think I’d rappel down a 14-story building!” Jenn Congdon said. “When the opportunity presented itself, I was all in for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. What they have been able to accomplish in this community is tremendous and benefits both Bigs and Littles.”
Michael Schoonmaker, M’s Head of Wealth Solutions, volunteered as a BBBS Columbia Northwest Big mentor after attending an event in 2023. He and his Little often talk about tackling difficult tasks with confidence and motivation. But when the chance to rappel came up, he hesitated.
“When presented with the opportunity to Rappel for a Reason with BBBS, I was terrified,” said Michael, who has a deep-seated fear of heights. “It actually paralyzes me with fear.”
He shared his concerns with his Little, who reminded him of his own advice.
“It's kind of hard when a 13-year-old uses your own words against you,” Michael said. “That day, I heard his voice in my head all the way down —'you can do hard things if you put your mind to it!’ —and I could hear him cheering me on from 150 feet below me.”
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, please visit www.itsbigtime.org.
With more than 140 Member Firms across the United States and in the United Kingdom, M Financial Group is one of the nation’s leading financial services design and distribution companies. Since 1978, M Financial’s network of independent insurance and executive benefit firms has served the needs of high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and Fortune 1000 companies.
For more information, please email M Financial’s Communications team at communications@mfin.com or visit our website at mfin.com.
4694237
