Dean’s Charity Steer Show brings in ‘unbelievable support’
Dean’s Charity Steer Show brings in ‘unbelievable support’
The first-time event raised $152,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
Story by Sherrie Whaley and Kurt Knebusch | Photos by Ken Chamberlain | Video by Walter Warkus
Together they steered toward the good.
The first-ever Dean’s Charity Steer Show—hosted by CFAES Dean Cathann A. Kress and featuring 13 teams of celebrities, 4-H members, and the 4-H members’ bovine charges—raised $152,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
The charity, among its services, provides housing for families of children being treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
The show took place July 30 in Columbus at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.
“I am so appreciative of the unbelievable support we received in our first year of doing this,” Dean Kress said. “It was wonderful to see us 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.”
Check out some shots from the show.
Dean Kress, her 4-H partner Wyatt Osborn of Lynchburg, and his steer named Mr. Ranger formed “The Dean’s Team.”
Dean Kress, flanked by Ohio State’s mascot Brutus Buckeye, addresses the audience. More than 900 attended the show.
Thanking the audience are Todd Alexander of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio board of trustees, and Elizabeth Vehrs of Upper Sandusky, whose family has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House.
Shelley Meyer—former first lady of Ohio State football and instructor at Ohio State’s College of Nursing—and 4-H member Taylor Poff (left) of Chardon, formed the team called “Flaminglin’ To The Finish.” Enthusiastic moral support came from Taylor’s twin sister—and fellow 4-H member—Tatum (center).
(From left) Lindsey Beggin, Dee Anders, and Ryan Wilkins, all of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, pose with a cheering Brutus.
With the show about to begin, Dean Kress gives final instructions to the exhibitors. In all, 13 teams—each one consisting of a celebrity exhibitor, a 4-H member, and a steer—competed.
Clay Hall, sports director at WSYX-TV, Columbus, formed half of the “Clay’s Crew” team. Hall’s 4-H teammate was Shala Graham of Frazeysburg.
Meyer, the Poff twins, and Brutus practice their spelling of an important word.
Dean Kress gave commemorative belt buckles like this one to all the exhibitors. See the full list of teams and team members.
Clark Kellogg, former Ohio State and NBA basketball player, currently lead college basketball analyst for CBS Sports, and his 4-H partner Sydney Sanders of Leesburg, enter the arena. Their team, “Special K Kattle,” won the Best Steer Award with Sanders’ steer, Cosmo.
If you couldn’t make it to the show, donations to the effort, all going to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, can be made through Aug. 31 at give.osu.edu/deanscharitysteershow.
Learn more about the show on its website, read a follow-up news release on the show, and check out further photos on Flickr.
Next year’s show is set for Aug. 4, 2020.
