COLUMBUS—Final donations have been tallied and an impressive $247,148 was raised by the Dean’s Charity Steer Show for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio.

Held August 2 at the Ohio State Fair’s Cooper Arena, the show far surpassed all expectations. “This wonderful event brings people together  to celebrate communities, agriculture, and children,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) who serves as host for the event. The event is focused on youth who benefit from the Ronald McDonald House, which is the sole beneficiary of the funds, 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 through OSU Extension.

“Every dollar we raised means families can stay together only steps away from their hospitalized child during one of the most stressful times of their lives,” said Kress. Each year, RMHC provides more than 82,000 nights of food and rest to families of seriously ill children. The charity steer show included 11 celebrity exhibitors, paired with media personalities, 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.

Show winners were:

• Best Steer: Team Nationwide (Dale Minyo, Kirt Walker, and Madisyn Brandt)
• Showmanship Award: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Team Bill and Ty’s Excellent Adventure (Ty Higgins, Bill Patterson, and Rachel O’Reilly)
• Best Dressed: Team Jumanji’s Speed-steers (Cameron Fontana, Rick Ricart, and Karissa Treadway)
• People’s Choice: Team Milk Face Majesty (Angela An, Tom Feeney, and Owen Bailey)

And the new Grand Champion award for lead fundraiser goes to Team Nationwide (Dale Minyo, Kirt Walker, and Madisyn Brandt).

Hundreds attended the Steer Show event, while even more watched as the show was streamed via Facebook Live. Following the show, there was a “sale” 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 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

Families and 4-H youth who participated in the 2022 show represented the counties of Clark, Fairfield, Gallia, Geauga, Highland, Muskingum, Stark, Tuscarawas, Warren, and Wayne.

Dee Anders, chief executive officer and executive director of RMHC, said “Everyone at the Ronald McDonald House Charities would like to express our sincere gratitude for allowing us to be part of such a special day. The funds raised from this event are transformational for the charity.”

Nationwide was named a “Showman of Showman” which is bestowed upon donors of $25,000 or more. “Premiere Exhibitor” donors, who each donated $10,000 or more, include Nationwide; Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Telhio Credit Union; Tom and Debra Feeney, Safelite; Brian O’Mara, Belron Foundation; Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State CFAES; Ricart Automotive; and Ronald Wilheim.Money came from 379 donors with gifts ranging from $10 to $25,000.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, the Telhio Credit Union, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and is held in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. At the inaugural show in 2019, approximately $152,000 was raised. Due to COVID-19, no shows were held in 2020 and 2021.

Mark your calendars now for the 2023 Dean’s Charity Steer Show set for Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

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Many thanks to our donors who supported this event listed below

Editor’s Note: We often get messages of gratitude from families that have stayed with us. Some of these include offers to pay it forward with monetary donations, in-kind donations of items, and sometimes it’s offers of professional services. This is one of those letters. Thanks to this offer, families will soon be able to have a break from the stress of the hospital thanks to these parents, owners of a mobile entertainment company.

About six years ago, we found ourselves in need as our daughter (6 months old at the time) was life flighted an hour away and spent two weeks on life support. With little to no resources we had no way to be near our daughter during this time. In stepped the Ronald McDonald House! They were a life saver in many ways. My family was able to still enjoy our daughters first Christmas together, we were fed, checked on and taken care of very well.

Now we find that our daughter (now 6 years old) is suffering from Cancer. Columbus is a three-hour drive for us, early morning and late-night appointments make this drive very stressful. Last week, again Ronald McDonald House was there for us! Whereas we try to make a donation every time we stay, it never seems enough for us. Being owners of a small family operated business finances get tight quickly for us. But, being owners of a family operated business gives us an opportunity to give back.

Should RMHC ever need help, looking for new entertainment or fundraising ideas, or just want something to do, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Weekends fill pretty fast for us, but we will do our best to have room for your outstanding organization.

Thank you for all you do, and continue to do for our family and families who find themselves in a time of need.

Duaine and Apryl Cluckey
Four of a Kind Entertainment

Beginning September 2, proceeds from beverage sleeve sales will go directly to support RMHC

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Local McDonald’s restaurants are providing another way to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio with the return of the Sleeves for Support program, featuring an exclusive Ohio State Buckeye® design. This fundraiser was developed in partnership with Coca-Cola and will generate funding for RMHC through sales of insulated beverage sleeves specifically designed to hold 30-ounce cups from McDonald’s. Sleeves will be available for purchase beginning September 2 at $6 each while supplies last.

“We’re excited to work with our partners at Coca-Cola to provide another option for our customers to support RMHC while enjoying their McDonald’s favorites,” said local McDonald’s Owner/Operator, Michael Telich. “Not only do these insulated sleeves help RMHC, they also help keep our guests’ drinks colder longer and are the perfect game day or tailgate accessory!”

In addition to Sleeves for Support, local McDonald’s restaurants give back through the Round-Up for RMHC program, where patrons can round their order up to the nearest dollar; through the Penny Per Happy Meal initiative where a portion of every Happy Meal sold benefits the Charity; and through RMHC Donation Boxes where customers can drop their spare change. Last year, $1.2 million was raised locally through these campaigns, and directly contributed to RMHC of Central Ohio, one of the largest chapters and Houses in the country.

“The Sleeves for Support campaign is one of many ways McDonald’s and its customers lend their support RMHC,” said Dee Anders, CEO & Executive Director of RMHC of Central Ohio. “McDonald’s was the founding mission partner of our charity when the first Ronald McDonald House opened 45 years ago, and the local McDonald’s team has always been an integral part of helping us fulfill our mission to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.”

The 2022 Dean’s Charity Steer Show, held at the Ohio State Fair on Tuesday, August 2, raised an astounding $240,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

Media personalities, celebrity exhibitors, and 4-H youth, along with their steers, donated their time to raise money and compete for bragging rights in front of a large crowd of supporters in the Cooper Arena.

The show was hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. The president of Ohio State, Kristina M. Johnson, was also in attendance. Clark Donley, news director at Columbus Radio Group, served as emcee of the event.

The final dollar amount raised won’t be available until after all donation pages close on August 31, so if you missed the show, there’s still plenty of time to donate to the worthy cause at give.osu.edu/deanscharitysteershow.

“The Dean’s Charity Steer Show was such a special day for our community in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio,” said Dee Anders, CEO and executive director of the Columbus house. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from all of the celebrities, media, sponsors, donors and attendees.”

Families and 4-H youth who participated in the 2022 show represented the counties of Clark, Fairfield, Gallia, Geauga, Highland, Muskingum, Stark, Tuscarawas, Warren, and Wayne.

Media personalities included Joe Boxer, host, WCOL radio; Angela An, news anchor, WBNS-10 TV; Matt Barnes, morning co-anchor, NBC-4 TV; Cameron Fontana, entertainment reporter and host, ABC 6/FOX 28/CW, Good Day Columbus; Kayla Hanley, morning radio personality, 92.3 WCOL radio; Tim Irr, news anchor, WSAZ-TV News Channel 3, Huntington, West Virginia; Ty Higgins, senior director of communications, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Dale Minyo, farm broadcaster, Ohio Ag Net.

Celebrity exhibitors included Troy Balderson, public servant; Matt Harper, McDonald’s owner/operator; Tom Feeney, executive chairman, Belron North America; Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State and NBA player and CBS Sports college basketball analyst; Bob Kendrick, anchor, ABC-6 News; Rick Ricart, Ricart Automotive; Jane Scott, executive director, Columbus Metropolitan Club; Ryan Smith, president, University of Rio Grande; Gene Smith, senior vice president and athletic director, Ohio State; Bill Patterson, president, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Kirt Walker, chief executive officer, Nationwide.

Show winners were:

1. Best Steer: Team Nationwide – The Dynamic Trio (Dale Minyo, Kirt Walker, and Madisyn Brandt of Tuscarawas County)
2. Showmanship Award: Team Bill and Ty’s Excellent Adventure (Ty Higgins, Bill Patterson, and Rachel O’Reilly of Geauga County)
3. Best Dressed: Team Jumanji’s Speed-steers – Wheelin’, Dealin’, and Steerin’ (Cameron Fontana, Rick Ricart, and Karissa Treadway of Warren County)
4. People’s Choice: Team Milk Face Majesty (Angela An, Tom Feeney, and Owen Bailey of Wayne County)

Following the show, there was a “sale” 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 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC).

“My deepest appreciation to everyone who made the 2022 Dean’s Charity Steer Show a success,” said Kress. “From great partners to outstanding youth, all the donors, those who honored us by watching, and all the helpers. I am overwhelmed by your support, enthusiasm, and friendship. Special thanks to Elizabeth Harsh, Bill Tom, Leslie Bumgarner, Virgil Strickler, Aaron Arnett, Dee Anders, Ryan Wilkins, Darby Jay Walton…and all the other volunteers. The success of this day would not have been possible without Lori Bowman, and Lora Vest, as well as Keith DiDonato, Cody Snyder, and Rob Frost.”

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, the Telhio Credit Union, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and is held in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. At the inaugural show in 2019, approximately $152,000 was raised for RMHC.

Located across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provides not only lodging, but also meals, a place to rest, laundry facilities, an exercise room, informal gathering areas, and activities for siblings of hospitalized children. Each year, more than 82,000 nights of rest are provided to families of seriously ill children.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature has put the RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic in a water hazard. We sincerely apologize that rain has caused the three golf courses to close. Due to circumstances out of our control, we won’t be able to play golf tomorrow. We really wish this wasn’t the case!

But, don’t fret! We will still get together for dinner at 3:00 pm in person with a chance to hear from Coach Chris Holtmann, and connect with your fellow RMHC supporters. In addition to dinner, each golfer will be provided with a voucher to play golf at a later date on the course where you were scheduled to play. In addition, we will have giveaways and the chance to pick up the items that you would have received on the course, including your special Titelist gift.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email Maranda.Staub@R​MHC-CentralOhio.org

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• WE ARE SO SORRY, BUT DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, WE WON’T BE ABLE TO PLAY GOLF AS PLANNED
• DINNER, PRESENTED BY GRANGE, AND SPECIAL REMARKS WILL STILL TAKE PLACE AT 3:00 PM AT WEDGEWOOD GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
• LOCATION: 9600 Wedgewood Blvd, Powell, OH 43065
• DRINKS WILL BE SERVED AT 3:00 PM
• DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT 3:30 PM
• REMARKS WILL BEGIN AT 3:45 PM
• GOLFER GIFTS, TITLEIST GIFTS, AND OTHER SPECIAL GIVEAWAYS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DINNER PROGRAM
• REMARKS WILL BE GIVEN BY COACH CHRIS HOLTMANN AND OTHERS
• ALL AUCTION ITEMS WILL BE ONLINE, INCLUDING THE EXTREMELY VALUABLE PLANNED LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
• AUCTION OPEN UNTIL NOON ON TUESDAY, JULY 19
• ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT RMHC OF CENTRAL OHIO

BID ON OUR ONLINE AUCTION

The auction for the RMHC Joe Mortellaro Golf Classic, presented by Encova, is full of memorable experiences, priceless opportunities, and one of a kind items. The very special items that we had planned for a live auction will now be part of the online auction open to anyone in the public. To learn more about this exciting auction and place your bids, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/pyy/i/

Auction will close on Tuesday, July 19 at noon

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF CENTRAL OHIO. AGAIN, WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.

The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, Ohio is growing for a million reasons. Click the image below to watch the video that aired on NBC4 this week featuring two of our board members, Bruce Burkholder and Tammy Roberts Myers, speaking with Shawn Ireland on the Live Happy, Live Well program. To learn more about our campaign, visit www.RMHC-CentralOhio.org/amillionreasons .

COLUMBUS—The Dean’s Charity Steer Show, an event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio, returns to the Ohio State Fair in 2022 after a two-year COVID-inspired hiatus. Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), it will be held from 2–4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in the Cooper Arena at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

“This exciting event brings together our community to celebrate agriculture and children, both for our 4-H youth as well as children benefiting from the Ronald McDonald House,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “Every dollar we raise means families can stay together only steps away from their hospitalized child during one of the most stressful times of their lives.”

Each year, more than 82,000 nights of rest are provided to families of seriously ill children by the Columbus Ronald McDonald House, the second largest Ronald McDonald House in the world. The facility provides a home away from home for families facing a child’s illness and hospitalization.

Currently, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House is undergoing a major expansion, more than doubling the size of the facility. Once completed, it will boast 202 guest rooms, a new kitchen and dining facility, new staff offices, and a community event room. It will once again be the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world after the expansion.

To raise funds for RMHC, 11 celebrity exhibitors, most of whom have no livestock experience, will not only show a steer during the Dean’s Charity Steer Show, but will also compete to see who can raise the most money. Most exhibitors will team with a local media personality as well as an experienced 4-H livestock family and their steer, and will practice with them before entering the show ring.

Families and 4-H youth, most from central Ohio, will participate and represent the counties of Clark, Fairfield, Gallia, Geauga, Highland, Muskingum, Stark, Tuscarawas, Warren, and Wayne.

Celebrity exhibitors will include Troy Balderson, public servant; Matt Harper, McDonald’s owner/operator; Tom Feeney, executive chairman, Belron North America; Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State and NBA player and CBS Sports college basketball analyst; Bob Kendrick, anchor, ABC-6 News; Rick Ricart, Ricart Automotive; Jane Scott, executive director, Columbus Metropolitan Club; Ryan Smith, president, University of Rio Grande; Gene Smith, senior vice president and athletic director, Ohio State; Bill Patterson, president, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Kirt Walker, chief executive officer, Nationwide.

Media personalities will include Joe Boxer, host, WCOL radio; Angela An, news anchor, WBNS-10 TV; Matt Barnes, morning co-anchor, NBC-4 TV; Cameron Fontana, entertainment reporter and host, ABC 6/FOX 28/CW, Good Day Columbus; Kayla Hanley, morning radio personality, 92.3 WCOL radio; Tim Irr, news anchor, WSAZ-TV News Channel 3, Huntington, West Virginia; Ty Higgins, senior director of communications, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Dale Minyo, farm broadcaster, Ohio Ag Net.

More than 900 spectators attended the inaugural Dean’s Charity Steer Show in 2019, and nearly 8,000 tuned in to watch via livestream on Facebook. Donation amounts ranged from 81 cents to $15,000, with a total of $152,000 raised for RMHC.

Located across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provides not only lodging, but also meals, a place to rest, laundry facilities, an exercise room, informal gathering areas, and activities for siblings of hospitalized children.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, the Telhio Credit Union, and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and it is held in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

To learn more and to donate to your favorite celebrity exhibitor or media personality, visit give.osu.edu/deanscharitysteershow.

By Nitisha Bridgeforth, Intern

Originally, I didn’t take notice of this building. But, every time I passed it I couldn’t help but glance over at the brightly colored Ronald statue that sat in front of the building. Although I used to think Ronald was creepy, now that I understand his significance, I now see it as a symbol of kindness.

Upon entering, my first word was “Wow’. The place was larger than I thought, neat, well-organized, and spacious. There was also a very cozy vibe, so I couldn’t help but calm down my nervousness. When I asked for help, the staff was extremely friendly and assisted me in getting to where I needed to go. Families could be seen coming in and out of the building as well as volunteers. I was honestly surprised to see a lot of people coming in and out of the building.

Following our meeting with our mentors, they gave me and my fellow intern, Nate, a tour of the house. I was happy to learn that the majority of the items on display were donations. To realize that the entirety of this build was funded by donations was an eye-opening experience for me. It touched my heart to see people who were so open about their feelings. It was beautiful to witness people who genuinely cared about someone else other than themselves. And just seeing that the smallest jobs in this place make a huge difference is incredible.

What I’m trying to express is that I obviously fell in love with this building and establishment after viewing it from within the physical structure familiar with most in the city. I adore the community and the way it functions. It’s incredible to watch family members walking around, truly cheerful and hopeful. I’m overjoyed to be a part of the Ronald McDonald House team this summer!

By Lindy Brobeck, Development Dept. Intern

Hi! My name in Lindy Brobeck and I am an intern in the development department at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio this summer. I am a current student at Marietta College in southeastern Ohio. I am getting a degree in educational studies, focusing specifically in nonprofit development. I also am a member of the women’s lacrosse team and have played for the last 13 years. I have been involved with the house for around 7 years in all different ways and could not be more excited to see what this summer’s opportunities bring!

Throughout the last 7 years I had the opportunity to see and do many things for and with the house. I had the chance to start and host 2 dance marathons at my high school raising around $13,000 for the house and was able to connect with a great family who has used the houses services. I also got to take some of my senior pictures in front of guest room#310 in the house, which is dedicated to my grandfather.

The House has given me the chance to realize and purse what I believe to be one of my biggest passions in life, which I like to say is people.
Saying that my passion is people does not always make the most sense with others, so this is what I mean: Whether at lunch with friends or just talking to a stranger at a function, I love people and learning how to help them be the happiest and most prosperous version of themselves I can. Pursing that passion for me means finding somewhere that has people as its main focus. It is safe to say the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio and the staff that work here put a very large focus on people and making life better for them.

I cannot wait to see what new and exciting things I will get to be a part of this summer at the house. This internship and the people I am connecting with because of it are amazing, and they too I believe have a very strong passion for people.

April’s Volunteer Appreciation Month Highlighted With Special Note from Guest Family to Volunteers and Our Viral Volunteer Videos

Volunteer Appreciation Month kicked off with the first day in April by the arrival of a thank you card for volunteers which included a special recognition of weekend volunteer Mike Amfahr with an enclosed photo of Mike standing next to the young patient who signed the card, a shout out to our cooking volunteers, and the all-volunteer band organized by hospital workers.
“To all you WONDERFUL people at the RMH,” the handwritten message inside the card begins. “THANK YOU from the bottom of our hears for providing such a wonderful place to stay while Tyler was in the hospital. You do an amazing job making a difficult time a little more positive, especially for the kids. We especially enjoyed the home-cooked meals and the concert by NACHO! 🙂
“And a very special thank you to Mike… you have no idea how special that was for Tyler to be your helper. He still talks about that day and he still has that dead lightbulb! Thank you for making our little boy so happy!”
“Hope to see you again next time when we come for Tyler’s BIG surgery. ♥”
The note is signed, “From Rob, Erin, & Tyler Griffin” and includes “Tyler” written in big blue marker at the very end.
Every day in April, we featured a different volunteer or group of volunteers. Click the image below to see a compilation of videos from and about our volunteers that were posted on social media throughout the month.