The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences vice president and dean, Cathann A. Kress, hosted the inaugural Dean’s Charity Steer Show raising $152,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio.
The event was held on July 30, 2019 at the Ohio State Fair and surpassed all expectations. “I am so appreciative of the unbelievable support we received in our first year of doing this,” said Kress. “It was wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate agriculture and children, both our 4-H youth as well as youth who benefit from the wonderful Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.”
The charity steer show, which was held at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair’s Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center, included 13 teams of celebrity exhibitors paired with a 4-H member and their steer.
“It was a privilege to work with so many esteemed businesses and organizations toward a common cause – raising money to help families be close to their injured or ill children,” said Leslie Bumgarner, president and chief executive officer of Telhio Credit Union, and RMHC board member.”
More than 900 spectators attended the charity steer show and nearly 8,000 tuned in to watch the event live on Facebook. Donation amounts ranged from 81 cents to $15,000. “Premiere Exhibitor” donors who donated $10,000 or more include: Heartland Bank and chief executive officer, Scott McComb; Cathann A. Kress; Nationwide; Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Telhio Credit Union.
Dee Anders, chief executive officer and executive director of RMHC, said “The Dean’s Charity Steer Show has made a tremendous impact on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, and we can’t thank Dean Kress and the entire agriculture community enough. This event has helped us not only raise significant funds for the charity, but build new relationships in the community to help provide ongoing necessary support for families of seriously ill, hospitalized children. Together, we look forward to making the Dean’s Charity Steer Show another great success next year, and for many years to come!”
The second annual Dean’s Charity Steer Show will be held at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair’s Voinovich Livestock & Trade Center on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
