Though it looked a bit different than in typical years, the annual steak dinner the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association hosts benefiting scholarships for county students still managed a successful donation haul.
With all said and done, the Cattlemen's Association managed to raise $1,766 in donations while serving 284 meals to the community. The donations will stay in Moniteau County and help several students at schools in California, Tipton, Jamestown, Russellville and Eldon with college expenses to further their education in agriculture.
Though final donation numbers from the annual event typically are higher, this year's tally was affected by the lack of an auction, which accounts for much of the total amount raised. Last year's fundraiser raised $18,606.50.
Thomas Huhmann, President of the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association, said he thought the event was going well with about an hour to go last Tuesday night. Huhmann said the event started a little early, with community members already lined up in anticipation by 4:30 p.m.
Huhmann said the drive-thru format was a hit.
"Everybody likes it; they get it and go, come right to the curb and pay," Huhmann said. "People have been generous, donating to the scholarship fund. It's all for the kids."
Organizers expressed their appreciation yesterday to the community for coming out, purchasing meals and supporting youth in the county through their donations.