WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Eastern States Exposition (ESE) donated premium beef from a prize 4-H steer to the West Springfield Parish Cupboard and Springfield’s Open Pantry and Friends of the Homeless. Acting on behalf of the Exposition and its Board of Directors, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy bid on and purchased the Middleweight Commended Steer at the 4-H Beef Auction, held during The Big E.
The 1,240 lb. steer was raised by Lily Dias of Massachusetts, who purchased it as a calf and spent a full year growing it to market weight to participate in the four-day 4-H Beef program at the Fair.
Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy said the donation of premium 4-H beef will help feed the hungry in the community, and draws attention to the importance of farmers and production livestock in our daily lives.
“The Exposition’s 4-H agriculture programs support youth and the 4-H Beef Sale rewards the hard work of young, aspiring agriculturists who will be our future food producers. It is our privilege to support 4-H and provide this donation at an important time of year,” he said.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Thank you to Eastern State Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy and the entire Big E team for their very generous and thoughtful donation to our Friends of the Homeless and Open Pantry. This much-needed top quality beef donation will go a long way in helping those in need. I am very grateful for the partnerships and friendships we have developed to keep this heartwarming and uplifting tradition going strong. Thank you.”
The Parish Cupboard, Open Pantry and Friends of the Homeless will each receive approximately 200 lbs. of ground beef and stew meat, packaged in three pound units.
The 2022 4-H Beef Sale presented 25 steer for sale to area buyers who included restaurants, businesses, colleges, farms and individuals. The sale culminated $133,719 in total sales that directly benefit the participating 4-H youths who use their money for college, or to purchase another steer for the following year’s program.
Next year’s Big E takes place September 15 – Oct. 1. The 4-H Beef Auction is Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 at 6pm and is open to the public. Those interested in bidding on steers may contact our Agriculture Department in advance of the sale at 413-205-5011 or stop by the registration table at the event, which takes place in Mallary Arena. Arrangements may be easily made to process purchases. Many businesses and individuals have joined together to purchase a steer as well.
–Eastern States Exposition