(KIWA Staff Photo)Des Moines, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Orange City’s Kayle Englin walked into the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show hoping for a good experience. He walked out with two major honors — something he admits he never expected.
Englin had just received the event’s Community Hero Award when he and Governor Kim Reynolds returned to the spotlight with his steer, Norm. Moments later, they were named the Judge’s Grand Champion.
The 44th annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show was held August 15th at the Iowa State Fair. 25 sponsored steers were shown by youth exhibitors alongside celebrities, helping raise a record $572,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
From Community Hero to Grand Champion
The Community Hero Award recognizes a youth exhibitor who goes above and beyond in collecting non-monetary donations and raising awareness for the charity. Englin said donations included pop tabs, paper towels, and other supplies Ronald McDonald Houses need. His mother, LeAnn, said spreading awareness through social media and other appearances also played a role.
Englin’s fundraising effort totaled $52,300, combining donations, the auction of Norm, and an additional contribution from Reynolds and her husband. The family said about $23,300 was raised before the auction, Norm brought $28,000, and Reynolds added $1,000.
That total far exceeded their expectations. The family initially discussed a $10,000 goal before raising it to $20,000 as support grew.
Englin had already seen Ronald McDonald House work firsthand. During an earlier visit, he helped remove old wooden bed frames, install new ones, and replace shower heads.
His interest in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show began after accompanying friend Merritt Moss to the event last year. The family then sought a calf specifically for the opportunity, eventually finding Norm through the Jansen family in Sioux Center.
Norm wasn’t easy at first. Englin said the steer had an abscess on his neck and was difficult to approach. Daily work changed that, and by the time they reached the State Fair, Norm handled the packed Livestock Pavilion well despite never being around such a large crowd.
Reynolds was the celebrity paired with Englin and Norm, and he said spending time with her became another memorable part of the experience.
Reynolds later called Englin her “fellow Grand Champion” on social media and thanked him for showing Norm with her. She described the event as one of her favorite State Fair traditions and said her final Governor’s Charity Steer Show as governor was “one for the record books.”
The show’s $572,000 fundraising total was the highest in event history. Since the event began in 1983, it has raised more than $6.5 million for Iowa’s Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“It Was A Sioux County Win”
Reflecting afterward, Englin said one of the most meaningful moments had nothing to do with winning.
His father, Garret Englin, said the significance of the experience grew throughout the process.
LeAnn Englin said the support extended far beyond the immediate family, crediting businesses, cattlemen, friends, mentors, and others throughout northwest Iowa who contributed money and supplies.
Her summary was simple:
