The annual Dean's Charity Steer Show, a significant event that unites Ohio's agricultural community for a charitable cause, achieved remarkable success in its 2023 edition.
Held on August 1 at the Ohio State Fair's Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, this event aimed to raise funds for the essential work carried out by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. With a heartwarming spirit of unity, the show featured 10 teams, each consisting of a dedicated team captain, team champion(s), a 4-H member, and their steer.
These individuals selflessly devoted their time and efforts to not only raise monetary contributions but also vie for recognition and honor in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.
The event's highlights and honorees are as follows:
- Best Steer: Team McSteering All Together, represented by crossbred steer Mook and 4-Her Taylor Barton of Clinton County. The McDonald's team, including Marshela McDaniel, Dan Aloi, Melissa James, and Tara Vorst, played a pivotal role in this achievement.
- Showmanship Award: Team Burrow 4 the House, accompanied by steer Joe Burrow and 4-Her Connor Youchum of Highland County. The NBC4 Columbus anchor team, comprising Matt Barnes, Monica Day, McKenna King, and Kristine Varkony, showcased exceptional showmanship
- Best Dressed: Team CosMOOpolitans, joined by steer Cosmo and 4-Her Emily Scott of Portage County. Tammy Roberts Myers of RE/MAX Apex, Kimberly Flaherty of Washington Prime Group, and Timothy Flaherty of Post House Creative contributed to the team's remarkable appearance.
- People's Choice: Team THE Buckeye Mood, along with market heifer Tree Trunks and 4-Her Delaney Moore of Fairfield County. Melissa Shivers of The Ohio State University and journalist Tracy Townsend of WBNS-10TV significantly contributed to this team's success.
- Grand Champion (lead fundraiser): Huntington Green Team, accompanied by steer Olson and 4-Her Mason Powell of Morrow County. Rich Porrello and Christina Brown of Huntington, along with Yolanda Harris of 10TV, played pivotal roles in raising substantial funds.
Following the show, a unique "sale" was conducted, adhering to the conventional procedures of a livestock sale. However, in a heartfelt twist, no actual transfer of livestock took place. Instead, all bids and sale proceeds were generously donated to RMHC of Central Ohio, amplifying the impact of the charitable endeavor.
Remarkably, the 2023 Dean's Charity Steer Show garnered a total of $172,709 in funds. This significant sum will play a crucial role in providing vital support to families of seriously ill children. The funds will contribute to offering families a place to stay in proximity to the hospital, allowing them to be close to their child during medical treatment.
The Dean's Charity Steer Show stands as a shining example of the power of Ohio's agricultural community when it unites for a meaningful cause. The contributions made during this event will undoubtedly create a tangible positive impact in the lives of families with seriously ill children, showcasing the profound empathy and generosity of Ohio's agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lishanskyphotography
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle