It is often said that everything is bigger in Texas, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Steer Auction Committee is one shining example of that statement. This committee undertakes huge responsibilities and, through tremendous efforts, makes big dreams come true for young Texans. In fact, the Steer Auction Committee conducts the world's largest dollar volume junior steer sale, consistently breaking records since 1993. Formed in 1946, this committee is responsible for selling all winning
steers at a floor price above current market prices on the day of the Junior
Market Steer Auction. That morning, committee members host a pre-sale breakfast
for prospective buyers and then assist with the auction's actual operation
by seating buyers, hawking bids, assisting exhibitors with their steers
and performing other tasks to ensure the auction's overall success. Members
also organize and host the Hide Party, which honors the previous year's
champion and premium steer To earn their badges, members must obtain at least 12,000 points generated by a combination of steer pre-sales and cash donations. Remarkably, the average earned is more than 23,000 points per member. In 1998, the committee raised $2.5 million in pre-sale commitments. Show vice president and officer in charge Ken Caldwell said, "The work these members do and the amount of money they raise is phenomenal." Members who raise at least 32,000 points receive the "Big Boy" award. Although committee sales positions were opened to women in 1996, the name Big Boy is carried on as a tradition from when the committee was comprised of 100 men. Many committee members win this award year after year, including Allen Kent, who has received it 20 consecutive years. And when asked how he has maintained Big Boy status for 12 years, Griffin Winn said he takes care of his buyers by treating them like his customers, recognizing them for their contributions and keeping them informed about committee functions.
Committee Chairman Jerry Hickman said, "The members are serious about their responsibilities, but they also have a lot of fun. The committee has set sales records for each of the last three years with total sales exceeding $10 million and the 1999 Grand Champion Steer selling for a world record $550,000." The combination of work and play keeps committee members coming back year after year. In fact, 20 of the 165 members are designated "lifetime honorary members" in recognition of their past contributions to the committee. Approximately 25 members of the Steer Auction Committee are Steer Starlettes. Organized in 1988 to support what was then an all-male committee, the Starlettes gained official status in 1993. The Starlettes raise money through a silent auction held in conjunction with the annual Steer Auction Committee Kick-off Party and their "Bowling for Beef" event. In 1999, the Starlettes raised more than $56,000 in support of the Steer Auction Committee. The Steer Starlettes use their fund-raising proceeds to support the youth by bidding during the later part of the auction. In addition, the Starlettes use a portion of these proceeds to present the Tommy Steele Perseverance Awards to exhibitors who overcome adversity while participating at the Show. This "hard luck" award is named in honor of Steele, who was an outstanding member and great supporter of the Steer Auction Committee. There were 12 recipients of this award in 1999, each receiving $1000. One thing Steer Auction Committee members have in common is their Texas-sized dedication to supporting the youth of Texas. Nine-year Big Boy and 1999 Steer Auction Committee Chairman's Award winner Mike Jolley said what motivates him is "a belief in helping kids who help themselves. The kids have made a huge commitment for a year in addition to their academics, and we support their efforts." |
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