Iowa Governor's State Fair steer show raises over $440,000 for Ronald McDonald House

Chris Higgins, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

What do the University of Iowa's first women's wrestling coach, a morning news anchor, a school principal and the governor all have in common?

They came together as part of a long list of Iowa V.I.P.s to help raise a record-breaking amount of money for families in need.

This year's governor's charity steer show, an Iowa State Fair tradition that pairs celebrities with steer exhibitors for charity, raised more than $440,000 on Saturday for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, according to an Iowa Cattlemen's Association news release. The total surpassed last year's $375,000.

The Ronald McDonald House organization provides support to families with children who are experiencing critical illness.

The annual event, in its 40th year, has raised more than $5 million since it began in 1983. The Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Gov. Kim Reynolds' office hosted the event this year.

Gov. Kim Reynolds leads steer Benny to the Livestock Pavilion alongside Maxwell Tiarks of Underwood during the governor's charity steer show on Aug. 13, 2022.
Gov. Kim Reynolds leads steer Benny to the Livestock Pavilion alongside Maxwell Tiarks of Underwood during the governor's charity steer show on Aug. 13, 2022.

"It is hard to comprehend the impact $440,000 can have for Iowa families. This is a great achievement for every one of these teams," co-chairs Tanner Lawton and Casey Anderson said in a statement. "In the end, the compassion that all participants in this event show is what makes it so unique. The cattle industry is a tight-knit group and we band together in a time of need."

More: See the butter cow and her companion pieces at the Iowa State Fair

Those recognized at the event this year included:

  • A steer named Blue as this year's grand champion, led by John Lawrence, extension and outreach president at Iowa State University, and Brady Werner of Williamsburg.

  • Iowa State Fair Chief Executive Officer Gary Slater as this year's grand champion showman, alongside Paige Evans of Ellsworth.

  • Tucker Kilma of Walker as this year's community hero for efforts to raise non-monetary donations for the Ronald McDonald House. Kilma was recognized for collecting pop tabs and non-perishable items while building awareness on social media.

  • Clarissa Chun, the University of Iowa women’s head wrestling coach, and Tate Nelson of Nichols, as the crowd's choice.

Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State Fair celebrity steer show raises over $440,000 for Ronald McDonald House