Once again, the 2024 Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa, went beyond the wildest dreams of those involved and raised an unofficial total of around $568,000.00 for this year’s auction following the show.
Everyone was so excited to do such a great job once again putting on the show. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds stopped by the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network shed before the show and praised the kids for their hard work in making the show a success. She had just come from seeing her teammate Alexa Fitzgerald of Tipton, and her steer Ritz.
The Governor commented that the steers in this show are more pampered than some people.
The real story is about the kids that prepare to be in this show. They work hard to do good work for the families at the Ronald McDonald. Cheyenne Houk of Blakesburg was this year’s Showmanship Champion and she talks about what it takes to be ready for the show.
The kids had the chance to do a day of service on Friday at the Des Moines Ronald McDonald House. It drove home how important the facilities and the charities are to the families that stay there. Kate Totemeier of Columbus Junction was this year’s People’s Choice winner, and she talks about how this has put it in perspective for her.
Governor Reynolds commented that it is also bittersweet as the kids say goodbye to their steers after the auction. Some of them, as mentioned before, are like pets or almost family members.
However, just like other aspects of the industry, the sadness is quickly replaced by starting to plan for the next steer that will come into their lives and hopefully be in the ring for a future Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
