Holmes family to feature in charity steer show

AINSWORTH — Washington County 4-H’er Kinley Holmes will show her calf at the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, a state fair event that raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House.

Holmes said she was excited to be involved.

“I’m excited to go there, it’s a completely different show for me,” she said. “I’m really excited for all these little kids that don’t have what all these other kids have … it’s exciting to be a part of something that will help many people.”

Kinley was selected by the Iowa Bankers Association to represent them in the charity show, which auctions animals at the end and sends all proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House.

Don Foley, a spokesperson for the Iowa Bankers Association who has attended the last 34 charity steer shows, said the Holmes family was handpicked to represent the group.

“I went to a number of county fairs this year, in the 10-20 range, and in doing so I heard that this steer did real well at the Washington County Fair,” he said. “I picked not only the steer, but I also go a little bit by what the family is like. Once I called and got in touch with them and got over to seeing the steer, I found a very nice young, farm, agricultural family … just a great group of people.”

Jared Holmes, Kinley’s father, said the team backing the Holmes family was raising funds to bid on their own animal at the charity auction. Whether they win the bidding or not, he said the money would go to the charity group.

“We can get more recognition for our team if we do it this way,” he said. “We’re going to put the big sponsors on T-shirts, and have T-shirt sales for promotion, we’re going to have billboards at the calf stall for all the fair exhibitors to go see.”

Holmes said a good result at the friendly competition would represent the county well and channel money to an important cause.

“I think it’s the hype behind it, with the governor putting it on and the publicity that it gets,” he said. “It’s something you don’t really think about until you need it, and it’s an absolute comfort knowing that if something happens, the family’s taken care of. They don’t have to worry about the small, minute details … I think that’s an extremely important feeling to have taken care of for you.”

The group has already raised over $20,000 for the effort from sponsors and community members. Holmes said he was honored by the support.

“We’re just blown away,” he said. “And extremely grateful that we can take our community and go make a dent in making something better for somebody that’s less fortunate than we are.”

Those interested in supporting the cause can contact Hills Bank about making a tax-deductible contribution to the Friends of Kinley Holmes Steer account. The charity steer show is scheduled for Aug. 13, 2022.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com