The 2023 Dean’s Charity Steer Show was a huge success, generating $172,709 in donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. Held August 1 at the Ohio State Fair’s Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, the show brought people together to celebrate communities, agriculture, and children.
The event is focused on youth who benefit from the Ronald McDonald House, as well as the 4-H youth who provide their expertise and steers for the event. 4-H is the youth development program of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) through OSU Extension.
“The Dean’s Charity Steer Show was such a special day for us,” said Dee Anders, CEO and executive director of RMHC. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from all of the celebrities, media, sponsors, donors, and attendees. The funds raised from this event are transformational for the charity which provides more than 82,000 nights of food and rest to families of seriously ill children.”
Our local Ronald McDonald House is undergoing a major expansion, more than doubling the size of the facility. Once completed in November, it will be the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world.
“I’m very proud of how our community comes together each year to celebrate agriculture and children,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “Our 4-H youth take a lead role with their livestock, while the money raised from our supporters, teams, and donors make a significant difference for families who need to stay near their hospitalized child during one of the most stressful times of their lives.”
The charity steer show included 10 teams comprised of a team captain and team champion(s) paired with a 4-H member, and their steer. Everyone donated their time to raise money and compete for bragging rights in front of a large crowd of supporters.
The show’s awards and awardees are as follows:
Following the show, a “sale” was held following the same procedures as a typical livestock sale, but without the actual transfer of livestock. Instead, all bids and sale proceeds were donated to RMHC of Central Ohio.
The 10 4-H youth and their families who participated in the 2023 show represented the counties and Ohio 4-H youth development programs of Clinton, Darke, Defiance, Fairfield, Highland, Morrow, Portage, Seneca, Stark, and Warren.
