(Ames) The 42nd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show raised a record-breaking $568,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, surpassing last year’s $501,000. Since its inception in 1983, the event has nearly reached $6 million in total donations. The funds support the three Ronald McDonald Houses in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which have served over 55,000 families.
The event, hosted by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and Iowa Beef Industry Council, highlights the importance of the cattle industry in Iowa. This year, exhibitors Baylen Brink and Jacob Ringkob set new records, raising $71,354 and $58,211, respectively. The show attracted a large audience both in person and online, continuing its tradition as a beloved Iowa State Fair event.
Winners were recognized in four categories at this year’s Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show: Community Hero, Grand Champion Showman, People’s Choice, and Judge’s Grand Champion. The event featured 24 sponsored steers, shown by youth exhibitors and local celebrities.
Layne White from Blakesburg, Iowa, won the Community Hero Award for collecting 175 pounds of pop tabs and nonperishable items. Cheyenne Houk, also from Blakesburg, and celebrity showman Mark McCully were named Grand Champion Showman. The People’s Choice Award went to wrestler David Carr and his youth partner Kate Totemeier from Columbus Junction. The Judge’s Grand Champion was awarded to Emma Norman from Searsboro and celebrity Jeff Angelo.
