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The Dean’s Charity Steer Show, hosted by The Ohio State University Vice President for Agricultural Administration and College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Dean Cathann A. Kress and held at the Ohio State Fair Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center has once again demonstrated the extraordinary generosity of Ohio’s agricultural community, surpassing its goal and raising $231,470 for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. This annual event, featuring 4-H youth partnered with celebrities, took place last Tuesday, July 30, and was a testament to the power of community and collective effort in support of families with critically ill children.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of agriculture, community, and the bright futures of youth. The event highlights the important work of RMHC, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing medical treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. With the recent expansion, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House is now the largest in the world. The event also highlights the Ohio State 4-H program members who share their expertise and knowledge gained through the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program.

Dee Anders, CEO and Executive Director of the Columbus RMHC chapter, expressed her gratitude saying, “The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is an incredibly meaningful event for us. We are deeply grateful for this year’s overwhelming support from 4-H families, business leaders, media, sponsors, donors, and attendees.” She added, “The funds raised will profoundly impact our charity, enabling us to provide 206 rooms every night for families with critically ill children.”

“I’m very proud of how our community comes together to celebrate agriculture and children during the Dean’s Charity Steer Show,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. “Our 4-H youth and their livestock take a lead role, while the money raised from our supporters, teams, and donors makes 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 featured 11 teams, each consisting of a team captain, media partner, and a 4-H member with their steer (learn more about the teams at rmhc-centralohio.org/events/dcss/). Each participant donated their time and expertise to raise funds and compete for awards. The 4-H youth who showcased their steers represented a diverse range of counties and programs, including Hancock, Clark, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Hardin, Stark, Clinton, Clermont, Jackson, Wayne, and Crawford counties.

The award winners were:

• Grand Champion: The McJestic Jewels, Presented by McDonald’s
• Best Steer:  CoverMyChan,  presented by CoverMyMeds
• Showmanship Award:  Team Partners for Ohio Agriculture, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America, Nationwide, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation
• Best Dressed:  The Huntington Green Team
• People’s Choice:  Team Partners for Ohio Agriculture
• 4-H Champion:  Meredith Donnelly from Hardin County

The event culminated in a “sale” where all proceeds from bids went directly to RMHC of Central Ohio. This allowed participants and attendees to contribute without the actual transfer of livestock. Contributions ranged from $5 to $15,000, demonstrating a broad base of support for this noble cause.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show has now raised over $800,000 dollars since its inception and is coordinated by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the Ohio Expo & State Fair, and Telhio Credit Union, with Cathann A. Kress and CFAES leading the charge.

For more information about the Dean’s Charity Steer Show go to rmhc-centralohio.org/events/dcss.

The mission of RMHC is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Located across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, the Ronald McDonald House serves as a home-away-from-home for families while a child is hospitalized. More than 4,500 families use the facility each year with 82,000 nights of lodging provided. It is also the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world with 137 guest rooms and 120,000 square feet of kitchens, dining areas, play rooms, laundry facilities, a meditation room, exercise room, and informal gathering areas.

Can you imagine what it’s like for a family traveling for childhood medical care? Or if you had to travel for care for your child for two or nine years? RMHC helps miracles thrive. To find out more click on the previous links or visit rmhc-centralohio.org.

The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by:

The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Ohio Cattlemen’s Association

Telhio Credit Union

The Ohio Expo Commission & State Fair

Thank you to all the team captains, team champions, and 4-H families for their time and support—it wouldn’t be possible without them.