Ohio State Fair Celebrity Steer Show raises more than $285,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities

The 6^th annual RMHC Celebrity Steer Show, hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio, The Ohio Cattleman’s Association, The Ohio State Fair, and Telhio Credit Union, raised $285,000 for RMHC. This outstanding number truly demonstrates the generosity and support of Ohio’s agricultural community.

The RMHC Celebrity Steer Show is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of agriculture, community, and the bright futures of youth. The event highlights the important work of RMHC, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals. The Columbus Ronald McDonald House is the largest in the world and serves more than 5,000 families each year. The event also highlights the Ohio State 4-H program members who share their expertise and knowledge gained through the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program. 

Dee Anders, CEO and Executive Director of the Columbus RMHC chapter, expressed her gratitude saying, “The Celebrity Steer Show is an incredibly meaningful event for us. We are deeply grateful for this year’s overwhelming support from 4-H families, business leaders, media, sponsors, donors, and attendees.” She added, “The funds raised will profoundly impact our charity, enabling us to provide nearly 30,000 nights of rest for families with critically ill children.” 

This annual fundraiser featured 10 teams, each consisting of a local business leader, a media partner, and an experienced Ohio 4-H youth with their steer. Each participant donated their time and expertise to raise funds and compete for awards. The 4-H who showcased their steers presented a diverse range of counties and programs, including Auglaize, Morrow, Union, Harrison, Stark, Fayette, Pickaway, Muskingum, Allen, and Washington counties. The award winners were:

• Grand Champion: Diamond Warriors, Presented by NiSource made up of Steve Sylvester, VP Health, Safety and Environmental Execution, Fleet Operations at NiSource, 4-H’er Alexis May of Fayette County, and Kyle Beachy of NBC4
• Best Steer: Team Dozer, presented by Crawford Hoying made up of Bob Hoying, principal and co-founder of Crawford Hoying, 4-H’er Bryson Jones of Allen County, and Alan Davis of In Ohio Country Today
• Showmanship Award: Partners for Ohio Agriculture made up of Adele Flynn, treasurer of Ohio Farm Bureau, 4-H’er Kimber Cook of Pickaway County, and Ty Higgins of Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal
• Best Dressed: Pepper’s Polar Express, Presented by Pepper Construction, made up of Matt Ference, Senior Director of Business Development, 4-H’er Kennadie Porter of Muskingum County, and Chuck Ringwalt of Spectrum 1 News
• People’s Choice: Buck Up, presented by OSU Alumni Association made up of Molly Calhoun, president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association, 4-H’er Sydney Skinner of Washington County, and Bryn Caswell of 10TV
• 4-H Champions: Alexis May of Fayette County and Bristol Tipton of Harrison County
• Social Steer: Buck Up, presented by OSU Alumni Association made up of Molly Calhoun, president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association, 4-H’er Sydney Skinner of Washington County, and Bryn Caswell of 10TV

The event culminated in a “sale” where all proceeds from bids went directly to RMHC of Central Ohio. This allowed participants and attendees to contribute without the actual transfer of livestock. In its five years, the show has raised more than a million dollars for the Ronald McDonald House, helping families undergoing difficult circumstances. For more information about the RMHC Celebrity Steer Show, go to rmhc-centralohio.org/celebrity-steer-show.