An Evening (and Event) to Remember

If you know the McBee family, you know we’re usually found in blue jeans and boots, working cattle or tending to the farm. But every now and then, we trade the dirt roads for city streets, and that’s exactly what we did for an incredible cause at the Community Services League Annual Luminous Gala.

I had the honor of being selected as this year’s host, and while public speaking in front of 500+ people might not be my usual day-to-day, supporting a mission that helps families in need made it an easy “yes.” The Community Services League is dedicated to uplifting those raised in poverty in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri, providing vital resources to help families get back on their feet. It was humbling to stand alongside so many passionate individuals who share the goal of making a difference.

Of course, I wasn’t alone—the entire family showed up in full force, making the trip from Gallatin, Missouri down to Kansas City, and swapping our dirty blue jeans for tuxedos (albeit the Cowboy Hat's stayed on) and spending the evening doing what we could to support the cause. And when it came time for the auction, we knew we had to bring something special to the table.

We raffled off several exclusive auction items, including:
✅ 3 Whole Beefs —Premium farm-raised McBee beef, straight from our farm
✅ A weekend Stay at the Farm—giving someone the chance to experience life out in the country firsthand
✅ Other unique items—helping drive up the excitement and, more importantly, the fundraising totals

By the end of the night, the auction raised over $300,000, directly benefiting families in need in Eastern Jackson County. Seeing that number and knowing the impact it will have made every moment worth it.

It was a powerful reminder that while farming is what we do, giving back is who we are and what we want to be known for. Whether we’re raising cattle or raising money for a great cause, we believe in putting in the work and supporting our community however we can.

So while we’ll be back in our boots tomorrow, we’ll never forget the night we put on the tuxedos, stepped up to the microphone, and did our part to make a difference.

Until next time, thanks for following along From the Farm.

- Steven McBee