Contact: Anna Hastert, Director of Communications, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266
Today, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and the Office of the Governor of Iowa launched its fundraising for the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show (GCSS). In 1983, Gov. Terry Branstad joined forces with the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to organize GCSS.
“I continue to be amazed by the generosity of Iowans when it comes to supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. It’s been 40 years since I teamed up with the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to organize the first Governor’s Charity Steer Show. To know this event has raised more than $4.5 million to support more than 50,000 families in need means so much to me," said Terry Branstad, former governor of Iowa and U.S. ambassador to China. "Let’s make this Governor’s Charity Steer Show the best yet! Help us meet our fundraising goal of $400,000 for the 40th anniversary. Together we can make a difference.”
Last year’s show raised $375,265.92 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Iowa, with houses in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. Since 1981, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa have served over 50,000 families from all 50 states and 62 foreign countries. Gov. Kim Reynolds carries on the tradition, which supports families of sick children.
“As your Governor, I have strived to keep this show moving forward and growing by the year,” Gov. Reynolds said. “We didn’t let COVID-19 or the derecho slow us down. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council continue to raise the bar, and the cattle producers of Iowa have helped this show become what it is today. Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of the past 40 years, but let’s continue to work forward.”
Iowa’s cattle industry plays a big role in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association president Bob Noble offered the following comments:
“Iowa cattle producers, from all corners of the state, assist in the implementation of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show. Cattlemen care, and that is made evident by our involvement in organizations throughout our communities,” Noble said. “The highly anticipated Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show displays our dedication to fellow Iowans, especially during their time of need. We hope to raise additional funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, so they may continue to support Iowa families.”
The 40th Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. Please join us in supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa by visiting www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.
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.
About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.