The Hoosier Beef Congress is proud to host the 2nd Annual Ringside for Riley Adult Showmanship Fundraiser, an event aimed at raising vital funds for Riley Hospital for Children. This fundraiser will feature a unique twist on the traditional cattle showmanship competition by inviting adults to showcase their skills in the show ring—all in support of pediatric healthcare at Riley Children’s Hospital. Last year, over $12,000 was raised for Riley.
The Ringside for Riley fundraiser was the dream of 12- year-old Cadley Boocher. She decided to combine her love for showing cattle with her desire to give back to Riley to support other kids facing challenges like her. She was born with a very rare, one in a million, heart defect and has had multiple surgeries and stays at Riley.
Cadley says, “Without the help of the doctors at Riley, I wouldn’t be here today. I love showing cattle and I want to give back to the hospital that helps kids like me get better so they have the chance to do things that they love, too!”
Each year, the event is judged by a Riley Kid who is involved in the cattle industry. This year’s judge is Andon Zehring, son of Brian and Janel Zehring, from Leesburg, Indiana. Andon was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor at just seven months old. He was rushed by ambulance to Riley Hospital for Children, where, only four days after admission, he underwent an extraordinary 18-hour brain surgery to remove the tumor. Following surgery, Andon faced multiple rounds of chemotherapy, brain radiation, and a stem cell transplant, along with numerous surgeries and intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies over several years. Thanks to the exceptional care and life-saving expertise at Riley Hospital for Children, Andon is now 19 years old and has been cancer-free for eight years.
The Ringside for Riley fundraiser will take place on December 5 at 1pm at the Hoosier Beef Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hoosier Beef Congress, one of the largest and most respected youth livestock events in the Midwest, will provide the perfect venue for this one-of-a-kind fundraiser. In this exciting event, adult participants will demonstrate their cattle showmanship abilities, competing in friendly yet competitive categories while raising money through entry fees, sponsorships, and donations.
Exhibitors are encouraged to nominate their favorite adult and former showman to show off their skills. Showman can be nominated for just $5. If they choose not to show, they can “buy out” of showing for $20. Nominations can be done prior to Beef Congress by visiting Indianabeef.org, or in-person at the show. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Riley Hospital for Children to support life-saving care, medical research, and community outreach programs for children facing serious health challenges.
“We had a lot of fun with last year’s event and hope to see even more participation this year with a goal to raise even more money for Riley” said Brian Shuter, “I am not sure how I will be able to top my costume without my trusted partner, Malibu, but I’d encourage you to be ringside on Friday afternoon for the Ringside for Riley to see what we can come up with.”
Riley Hospital for Children is Indiana’s largest and most skilled pediatric system, with over 50 locations across the state and the only one ranked among the top hospitals in the nation according to US News & World Report. Patients make more than 300,000 visits annually to Riley physicians in more than 50 locations in communities across Indiana. Riley cares for children from nearly all Indiana counties and surrounding states.
Source: Indiana Beef Cattle Association
