Teen to participate in first Dean’s Charity Steer Show

Teen to participate in first Dean’s Charity Steer Show
Submitted

At the Dean’s Charity Steer Show, the steers will be judged for confirmation, then the young presenters will be graded for showmanship. McKalynne Helmke shows Sasquatch at a show in June.

                        

McKalynne Helmke can’t remember a time when she wasn’t around the family’s cattle. “Before I could walk, I think. There have always been cattle around.” McKalynne is 15 and a sophomore at New Philadelphia High School.

A lifetime around the bovines kept by her immediate and extended family recently culminated in a special invitation from Ohio State University Vice President and Dean Cathann Kress to participate in the first-ever Dean’s Charity Steer Show at the Ohio Expo Center July 30. The show is a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The family has exhibited through generations, around the state and the country, said Leanne Wise-Helmke, McKalynne’s mother. “We’ve shown steers as far away as Nebraska and Massachusetts,” she said. The family farms are based near New Philadelphia.

Leanne Wise-Helmke said that at the Dean’s Charity Steer Show, the steers will be judged for confirmation, then the young presenters will be graded for showmanship. Audience members will then select a People’s Choice winner.

Though the steers will be auctioned, the funds are entirely designated for the Ronald McDonald House Chariities, and the steers will not actually change hands.

Those who will not be able to attend the steer show but would like to make a charitable contribution to Ronald McDonald House Charities may do so online at creatafundraiser.everydayhero.com. Search for Dean’s Charity Steer Show. Donations are also accepted at buckeyefunder.osu.edu/project/15682/donate.

The show is the project of Cathann A. Kress, vice president for Agricultural Administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at OSU. The project is in conjunction with Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Telhio Credit Union.

Participation in the show is by invitation. McKalynne Helmke received a personal letter from Kress.

McKalynne Helmke said caring for so many steers is “a lot of work, yes. But you get used to it.” She said her goal for participating in the show is “to help raise as much money as possible for Ronald McDonald House,” while also having a lot of fun at the event.

“I know there will be kids there who have benefitted from Ronald McDonald House, and I hope to connect with them also,” she said.

Ronald McDonald House Charities help, among other things, to alleviate the cost of travel and accommodations for families of hospitalized children. It is a nonprofit organization begun by McDonald’s restaurants in 1974.

“We have not had the need to use the charities personally, but family members and friends have. It’s a very worthwhile organization,” said Leanne Wise-Helmke. “People just don’t realize the work that goes into what they do, or the need families have for that kind of help when they are focused on their sick child.”

Leanne Wise-Helmke said she and her sister were in 4-H as children all their young lives. Her son, Landon Helmke, also remains active in 4-H and showing steers at age 21.

The July 30 Dean’s Charity Steer Show is open to the public. It will be held at the Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center. The event begins at 2 p.m.

Numerous Ohio celebrities are helping to raise funds prior to the event.

Leanne Wise-Helmke said Dean Kress likely knew of the family and their work in raising top quality steers through the families long and extensive involvement. She also works with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “I think they were aware of the quality of our animals, and that they are well cared for. They’re also calm and get close attention every day.”

Showing animals via 4H teaches many life skills, said Leanne Wise-Helmke. “They learn about animal confirmation, but also they write and give speeches and other things. It really teaches a lot of communication skills.”

The Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center is located at 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus.


Loading next article...

End of content

No more pages to load