COLUMBUS — The 2022 Dean’s Charity Steer Show, held at the Ohio State Fair Aug. 2, raised $240,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
Media personalities, celebrity exhibitors and 4-H youth, along with their steers, donated their time to raise money and compete for bragging rights in front of a large crowd of supporters in the Cooper Arena.
The show was hosted by the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. The president of Ohio State, Kristina M. Johnson, was also in attendance. Clark Donley, news director at Columbus Radio Group, served as emcee of the event.
The final dollar amount raised won’t be available until after all donation pages close on Aug. 31, so there’s still plenty of time to donate at give.osu.edu/deanscharitysteershow.
“The Dean’s Charity Steer Show was such a special day for our community in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio,” said Dee Anders, CEO and executive director of the Columbus house. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from all of the celebrities, media, sponsors, donors and attendees.”
Participants
Families and 4-H youth who participated in the 2022 show represented the counties of Clark, Fairfield, Gallia, Geauga, Highland, Muskingum, Stark, Tuscarawas, Warren and Wayne.
Media personalities included Joe Boxer, host, WCOL radio; Angela An, news anchor, WBNS-10 TV; Matt Barnes, morning co-anchor, NBC-4 TV; Cameron Fontana, entertainment reporter and host, ABC 6/FOX 28/CW, Good Day Columbus; Kayla Hanley, morning radio personality, 92.3 WCOL radio; Tim Irr, news anchor, WSAZ-TV News Channel 3, Huntington, West Virginia; Ty Higgins, senior director of communications, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Dale Minyo, farm broadcaster, Ohio Ag Net.
Celebrity exhibitors included Troy Balderson, public servant; Matt Harper, McDonald’s owner/operator; Tom Feeney, executive chairman, Belron North America; Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State and NBA player and CBS Sports college basketball analyst; Bob Kendrick, anchor, ABC-6 News; Rick Ricart, Ricart Automotive; Jane Scott, executive director, Columbus Metropolitan Club; Ryan Smith, president, University of Rio Grande; Gene Smith, senior vice president and athletic director, Ohio State; Bill Patterson, president, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation; and Kirt Walker, chief executive officer, Nationwide.
Winners
The best steer winner was Team Nationwide — The Dynamic Trio, made up of Minyo, Walker and Madisyn Brandt, of Tuscarawas County.
The showmanship award winner was Team Bill and Ty’s Excellent Adventure, made up of Higgins, Patterson and Rachel O’Reilly, of Geauga County.
The best-dressed, award-winning team was Team Jumanji’s Speed-steers — Wheelin’, Dealin’, and Steerin’, made up of Fontana, Ricart and Karissa Treadway, of Warren County.
The people’s choice winner was Team Milk Face Majesty, made up of An, Feeney and Owen Bailey, of Wayne County.
Sale
Following the show, there was a “sale” following the same procedures as a typical livestock sale, but without the actual transfer of livestock. Instead, all bids and sale proceeds were donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
“My deepest appreciation to everyone who made the 2022 Dean’s Charity Steer Show a success,” said Kress. “From great partners to outstanding youth, all the donors, those who honored us by watching and all the helpers. I am overwhelmed by your support, enthusiasm and friendship.”
Show
The Dean’s Charity Steer Show is coordinated by CFAES, the Telhio Credit Union and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, and is held in partnership with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair. At the inaugural show in 2019, approximately $152,000 was raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Located across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provides not only lodging, but also meals, a place to rest, laundry facilities, an exercise room, informal gathering areas and activities for siblings of hospitalized children. Each year, more than 82,000 nights of rest are provided to families of seriously ill children.
(Sherrie R. Whaley, Ohio State University)
