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The Heart Behind Your Participation:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa
What Happens When You Support the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show
When you participate in the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, you're doing something truly special—you're helping keep families together during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Who Is RMHC?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa operates three welcoming homes—one in Iowa City, a Siouxland location and one serving Central Iowa in Des Moines—where families can stay while their children receive medical treatment. Think of these as a "home away from home" that's just steps away from the hospital.
The work of the RMH Charity is more than four walls and a roof. The RMH staff foster a support system that offers hope, knowing that sometimes a warm smile and a comfortable place to rest can restore a family's strength during difficult times. House services provide comfort through home-cooked meals and cozy spaces that eliminate daily stressors. And we build trust, so families know they have reliable support through their entire medical journey.
What We Really Do
Sure, the homes provide a physical place to stay for families, but it is so much more than that! The houses help provide a real home environment offering private bedrooms and bathrooms, comfortable living spaces, and all the amenities families need to maintain some normalcy in their lives.
Families enjoy home-cooked evening meals, plus self-serve options for breakfast and lunch. Kitchens are always stocked with snacks for those long days at the hospital. Simple amenities like meal options help remove additional burdens so families can focus on what is most important, helping their sick child heal.
Each house features game rooms for siblings who need a break, quiet spaces for parents to recharge, outdoor areas where families can get fresh air between hospital visits—including a playground, playhouse, and relaxation deck.
Houses may suggest a nominal fee, but no family is ever turned away because they can't pay. Your support through events like the Governor’s Charity Steer Show makes this possible.
The Real Impact of Your Participation
When you exhibit at the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, you're directly helping families who would otherwise face impossible choices without these resources.
Your participation supports parents who might otherwise sleep in their cars to be near their sick children, and families who would face financial ruin from extended hotel stays while seeking treatment. You're providing siblings with some semblance of normal life while their brother or sister undergoes medical care, and giving parents the emotional support of others going through similar experiences—something invaluable during such challenging times.
The Ripple Effect of Your Support
Your participation in the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show creates a powerful chain reaction. When families can stay together and focus on their child's health instead of logistics and finances, healing happens. Children recover better with their loved ones nearby, and families emerge stronger, even from the most difficult circumstances.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities Iowa, or to arrange a tour to see your support in action, contact the Iowa City House at 319-500-RMHC. See the links below to access links for each specific Iowa RMH website.
Thank you for being part of something bigger than all of us. Your steer, your time, and your dedication mean more to Iowa families than you'll ever know.
Community Hero Award
The Governor's Charity Steer Show Community Hero Award began in 2021. One steer owner is recognized for his or her support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Iowa. Exhibitors earn points by completed one or more of the tasks listed below.
Eligible items are listed below.
Non-perishable items
Donating one or more of the following items from the Community Hero wishlist will be contributed towards the exhibitors award tabulation:
3 points per non-perishable item donated and one point per dollar of value for each giftcard. Hero's who donate one of each item from the wish list will receive a bonus of 75 points!
Help RMH staff perpare by calling your RMH location prior to your arrival and notify staff what the items are for at drop-off. Please drop items off at your local Ronald McDonald House Charity by August 6.
Pop Tabs
Help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa offset expenses such as utility bills, by donating aluminum pop tabs.
Exhibitors will earn: 5 points for 0 to 2 pounds; 10 points for 3 to 5 pounds; and 15 points for 6 to 10 pounds. Approximately 1,128 pop tabs equal one pound. Please drop off and/or send pop tabs to the closest Ronald McDonald House location. Pop tabs must be postmarked by August 4. We will also accept pop tabs brought to weigh-in on Thursday, August 7.
Social Media
Exhibitor's profiles will be posted to the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show Facebook page. Participants will receive .5 point per like and ! points per share. Points will be tallied on Thursday, August 7 after weigh-in.
Eligible Items
Eligible items include: paper towels, paper plates (no sytrofoam), plastic silverware, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, kleenex, clorox wipes, dishwasher pods, ziplock bags (snack and sandwich), coffee creamer, chapstick, pre-packaged snacks (chips, crackers, cookies, trail mix, popcorn, mac n cheese cups, etc.). Gift cards to these local stores are also welcome as well: Walmart, Target, Fareway, Hy-Vee, and Casey's.