Washington County exhibitor selected for Governor’s Charity Steer Show

WASHINGTON — Washington area livestock exhibitor Tyler Lukavsky will participate in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show Aug. 9, a decades-old state fair tradition that raises money for Ronald McDonald House charities.

Being picked for the show is an honor, with only 25 exhibitors selected for it each year. Lukavsky — going into 10th grade this fall and involved in Washington County 4-H and FFA programs — said he had his fingers crossed as he completed the application process, which involved a handful of submitted details and a farm visit from the event’s organizers.

“I definitely didn’t think I was going to get picked, when they called me I was very shocked,” Lukavsky said. “Me being one of 25 to be selected, I thought it was a very slim chance.”

The exhibitor said he was excited for the event, which has piqued his interest even before he started showing cattle six years ago.

“I’ve always grown up watching it, we saw it every year at the fair,” he said. “I’ve watched it all my life, and thought it would be really cool to be a part of it … I think it’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of people, and get money for the people that need it.”

Not a typical steer show, the charity event sees exhibitors show up with celebrity guests to help lead the cattle through the ring. Lukavsky said he’d be working with Matt Kroul, a former football player who’s been on the roster of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the New York Jets.

In addition to getting bids at the fair, exhibitors also raise money for charity before the steer show begins. Lukavsky said he’d spent the last several weeks soliciting donations from area businesses, and had quite a bit of luck doing so.

“I’m asking if they want to donate money or pop tabs, or just Kleenexes, food, a list of stuff like that for kids and families at the Ronald McDonald houses,” he said. “It’s gone really good, I think we have over $10,000 in donations right now.”

Lukavsky is entered with his steer, named Thunder.

He said he picked the animal because it handled well, fell squarely in the middle of the recommended weight range for the event, and because he already planned to sell his other steer.

“When I got it, I wasn’t expecting to sign up for this,” he said of the animal. “He’s really tame, I think he’ll be good in front of a lot of people.”

In a press release from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, organizers said the show was an impressive fundraising source, gathering a record $568,000 for charity at last year’s event between online donations, sponsorships, and an auction following the show. Since its founding in 1983, the event has raised a total of nearly $6 million, according to the ICA.

The press release said all money raised would be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, with locations in Iowa City, Sioux City and Des Moines.

“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 Bailey, and ICA member and co-chair of the charity show. “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.”

Lukavsky adds to a line of Washington County representation at the high-profile statewide event, which has previously featured other local 4-H’ers like Kinley Holmes, Macey Thomann and Tanner Knupp.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com