News : BIRKER AMONG YOUTH TO HELP RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE THROUGH CHARITY STEER SHOW

        ​The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching and plans for the annual Governor's Charity Steer Show are in full swing. Iowa cattlemen support this great event that benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

        ​Izzie Birker of Garrison, Iowa, has joined the Governor's Charity Steer Show lineup of exceptional youth to show her steer at the August 10 event. Each steer is exhibited by a local youth representative and a guest celebrity selected by the sponsor of the steer. Twenty-four steers will be shown this year, with Gov. Kim Reynolds as one of the celebrities showing in the ring. The Governor's Charity Steer Show is sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC).

        ​"The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show highlights the good nature of the beef cattle industry and brings together a valuable collaboration between producers, industry supporters, youth, and community namesakes for an important cause," said Jenna Smith, ICA member services and Governor's Charity Steer Show co-chair. "It is an honor to serve the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which provides a crucial service to families in need. The youth participants of the Governor's Charity Steer Show showcase the giving nature of our industry and offer a local connection to support this meaningful event."

        ​The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show has been held since 1983 and has raised over $5 million since the show's inception. Last year the show raised more than $500,000, the third year in a row that the fundraising record has been broken. Funds are raised through online donations, sponsorships, and an auction of steers following the show.

        ​All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa too.

        ​"The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a worthwhile charity and great partner," said Casey Anderson, IBIC director of industry relations and Governor's Charity Steer Show co-chair. "The houses provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill or hospitalized children. It isn't hard to imagine the burden lifted, during an already difficult time, knowing you have a place to stay near your child, thanks to theRonald McDonald Houses."

        ​The first step to show success is securing the steer and we thank Izzie for stepping up to support this great cause. Izzie is the daughter of Scott and Jenni Birker. Izzie will begin her senior year at Vinton Shellsburg in the fall where she is involved in a lot of activities both in her school and community. She has been showing cattle for seven years. Izzie's steer, Sir-loin, loves to have his back leg scratched and Izzie says he'll almost fall asleep when he's getting scratched. Izzie is being sponsored by The Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Iowa. 

If you are interested in supporting Izzie Birker, please consider donating online or attending the show/auction to contribute. The Governor's Charity Steer Show is being held in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 10 at 4:30 pm. For additional information about the Governor's Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com

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About Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA): Iowa Cattlemen's Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa's beef cattle industry. ICA's mission is to "Grow Iowa's beef business through advocacy, leadership, and education." www.iacattlemen.org.

About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information, and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.