CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Lainey Harre, of Gilman, has joined the Governor’s Charity Steer Show lineup of exceptional youth to show her steer, Hilton Storm, with celebrity Audi Crooks, the ISU All Big 12 Center, at the Aug. 10 event.

AMES — 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.

Lainey Harre, of Gilman, has joined the Governor’s Charity Steer Show lineup of exceptional youth to show her steer at the Aug. 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.

“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 more than $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 more than 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 Ronald McDonald Houses.”

The first step to show success is securing the steer and we thank Lainey for stepping up to support this great cause. Lainey is the daughter of Travis and Lory Harre. Lainey will be a senior at Colo Nesco in the fall. She has been showing cattle for fourteen years. She also shows swine, goats and sheep. Lainey has looked forward to this experience since she was a young child. She has been having fun collecting can tabs and explaining what she is doing to people. Lainey and her steer, Hilton Storm, are showing with celebrity Audi Crooks, All Big 12 Center for Iowa State University Women’s Basketball. This team is sponsored by the Iowa Junior Hereford Association.

People interested in supporting Lainey Harre, may 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 at 4:30 p.m. on Aug.10. For additional information about the Governor’s Charity Steer Show or to donate, visit www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com