Reeve Wagner to show steer at Governor’s Charity Steer Show to benefit Ronald McDonald House

Reeve Wagner’s quiet but thorough command of the steers he exhibits at livestock shows mirrors determination he’s carried through all 14-plus years of his life.

Wagner, a member of the Reeve Hampton Hustlers 4-H club, will have the opportunity this weekend to show one of his steers, Marbles, at the 38th Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show in Des Moines this Saturday. Reeve will show alongside Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk.

The show is another opportunity for Wagner to build on the accolades he’s already accumulated on the exhibition circuit this year, but for Wagner and his family, this show carries a considerable amount of significance.

The Charity Steer Show each year benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which provides resources and accommodations for families that have children receiving treatment at hospitals. The Wagners look at the Charity Show as a chance to give back to the Ronald McDonald House, which they’ve utilized throughout Reeve’s childhood.

Reeve was born nearly four months premature in a pregnancy affected by twin to twin transfusion syndrome, which also resulted in the loss of his twin brother, Reed. Weighing just 1.44 pounds at his birth, Reeve spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) undergoing several procedures. He was able to go home for the first time on his original due date in November, but has needed additional care throughout his life, including an open-heart surgery, which resulted in a month stay in the hospital. Throughout his procedures and hospital stays, Robin, Reeve’s mother, said the Ronald McDonald House was a reliable and understanding resource that helped ease some of the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with predicaments such as Reeve’s.

“The Ronald McDonald House has just always been there for us,” she said. “They don’t ask a lot of questions, they don’t ask for money but they’re so supportive and that’s why we really want to give back to them because they were always there for us.”

Reeve still has encounters with hospitals and doctors visits to monitor his health but he hasn’t let that deter him from following his passion as a livestock exhibitor. He’s racked up ribbons and trophies at shows throughout the state and at the Franklin County Fair. Handling a 1,400 pound animal comes with its challenges, but for someone like Reeve who has already overcome considerable obstacles, those particular challenges are met with enthusiasm.

“I feel great when I show,” he said.

“It’s awesome to watch your son, who was on an oxygen tank, to be out there with a 1,400 pound steer, walking it around,” added Robin. “It’s just the greatest feeling in the world.”

Reeve’s father, Jade, said it was at the Franklin County Fair where the idea for Reeve to show at the Governor’s Charity Steer Show was first pitched. Andrew Benning, who was tasked with selecting Franklin County’s representative for the charity steer show, approached Jade wondering if he knew of any potential candidates for the show.

“He said he was still looking for a steer and I said, ‘I think I may have a steer,’” said Jade. “He looked at (Marbles) and thought it would work.”

Ahead of the show on Saturday, the Wagners, with the help of Benning and the Franklin County Cattlemen, have worked to raise a goal of $27,000, the sale cost of the steer, to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House. As of last week, the effort had totaled $25,000 with contributions from area businesses and organizations as well as a $15,000 boost from the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust Foundation.

Robin said the financial support despite complications from the COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming but infinitely appreciated.

“We’re really thankful, especially at the time in the pandemic,” she said. “Everybody has been so generous and wonderful. It’s a difficult time to donate to charity but everyone’s been awesome.”

Just a handful of days away from the Charity Steer Show, the Wagners can’t help but look back on Reeve’s journey from a premature child who required a significant amount of medical assistance to an accomplished showman who is now using his talents to provide support to children and their families who find themselves in difficult situations. Additionally, the Wagners have made t-shirts for the event that celebrate Reed’s life and have dedicated Saturday’s show to his memory.

“I just want to help them the way the Ronald McDonald House helped me, otherwise I wouldn’t be here today,” Reeve said.

“It means the world to us that we got all the support and everything we needed when he was in such fragile state and now he’s strong and doing great,” Robin added. “It’s a miracle he’s come this far and has overcome so many obstacles.”

Those who wish to help the Wagner’s cause can contact Benning at abenningfarms@gmail.com or 641-903-9607.