Iowa Cattle Industry Raises Money For Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa Through The Annual Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show

Contact: Casey Anderson, Director of Industry Relations, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515-296-2305

The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and the anticipation of the annual Governor's Charity Steer Show is building. The Iowa beef cattle industry is again partnering with the governor in this fundraising event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Hundreds of fairgoers will attend the August 10 event, featuring youth, industry supporters, local celebrities, and of course, steers. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-four steers will be shown this year. Along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, we have other notable celebrities showing this year ranging from industry favorites to college athletes (see list of sponsors, exhibitors, and celebrities below). The Governor's Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

"The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show showcases the good that can be done by one industry when producers, industry supporters, and community namesakes collaborate," said Jenna Smith, ICA member services and Governor's Charity Steer Show co-chair. "The cattle industry is full of people that care and it is an honor to work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, who provide a crucial service to families in need."

The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised over $5.1 million for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa since the show's inception. Last year the show raised more than $500,000, the third year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa too.

"The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner," said Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor's Charity Steer Show co-chair. "The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn't hard to imagine the burden lifted, during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to Ronald McDonald Houses."

If you are interested in supporting the Governor's Charity Steer Show, consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor's Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 10 at 4:30 pm. For additional information about the Governor's Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.

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About Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA): Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef cattle industry. ICA's mission is to "Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership, and education." www.iacattlemen.org.

About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information, and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.

2024 Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show Participants

1. Sponsor: Iowa Beef Industry Council & Iowa Cattlemen's Association
   Celebrity: Gov. Kim Reynolds
   Exhibitor: Alexa Fitzgerald | Tipton, IA
   Steer: Ritz
2. Sponsor: Crawford County Cattlemen and Nor-AM Cold Storage
   Celebrity: Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg
   Exhibitor: Calli Korner | Schleswig, IA
   Steer: Smokey Bear
3. Sponsor: Davis County Beef Promoters
   Celebrity: Mercedes Northup, TV Personality
   Exhibitor: Layne White | Blakesburg, IA
   Steer: Budder