Nov.
21, 2012
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Carrie Heitman, communications
coordinator, at 816-383-5100 or cheitman@angus.org.
Auxiliary Awards Distinguished
Woman of the Year
American
Angus Auxiliary charter member Bette Votaw recognized
in Louisville, Ky.
In
2012, the American Angus Auxiliary celebrated 60 years of preparing young women
for the future, educating consumers about the beef industry, and supporting
junior activities. It’s a legacy built by countless volunteers dedicated to the
Angus breed. And it was only appropriate for Auxiliary charter member Bette Votaw, Welfleet, Neb., to be
recognized as the 2012 Distinguished Woman of the Year. Votaw
was honored Sunday, Nov. 11 during the 60th Annual American Angus
Auxiliary Breakfast in Louisville, Ky.
As Auxiliary advisor Barbara Ettredge, Pilot Point, Texas, began her speech describing
the award recipient, all eyes turned to Bette. While Ettredge
transported the audience back in time, sharing Bette’s devotion to the Auxiliary, tears began to flow down Bette and her daughters,
Kathy and Kerri Ann’s faces. One can only imagine the memories Bette recalled as
she was reminded of the moment that changed her life forever.
It
was 1952. Bette and her husband, Eli, were stepping through the doors of the Chicago
International Livestock Show; strolling past the rich black, beautiful Angus
cattle, Bette transformed from city girl to ranch wife. It was then that Bette
realized she wanted the Angus way of life for her family.
The
Chicago International was also where Bette met a small group of energetic women
who asked her to join the American Angus Auxiliary. Without hesitation, Bette agreed
and became a guiding light with her quiet, steady demeanor and wisdom, which
kept the Auxiliary on the right path for decades.
Bette
served as an Auxiliary officer for three years before resigning due to her
mother’s health. Ten years later, in 1993, Bette returned to lead the
organization. During her presidency, she, along with Angus enthusiasts from
across the country, entertained international visitors during the World Angus
Forum in Rapid City, S.D. Since that time, Bette has served as chairman and
member of several Auxiliary committees.
Together
in their 62 years of marriage, Bette and Eli built the historic E Bar V Angus
Ranch. The couple was inducted into the American Angus Association®’s
Angus Heritage Foundation in 1999 and received the Nebraska Angus Association
Pioneer Producer Award in 2006. Eli was devoted
leader in the beef industry. He was a lifetime member of the American Angus Association
and served on its Board of Directors. During his two terms, he was instrumental
in establishing the Certified Angus Beef®
program. Eli also helped organize the Southwest Nebraska Angus Association and
served as Secretary-Treasurer for several years.
Bette’s
constant drive and passion for the Angus business is instilled in her children,
as well. Her daughters, Kathy Marie (Louis) Dubs, Billings, Mont.; Kerri Ann
(Steven) Kliewer, Henderson, Neb.; and the late
Christine Sue Votaw Vinton received Auxiliary
Scholarships in 1970, 1973 and 1977. And, Bette was “The Queen Mother” of both
the 1973 and 1977 Miss American Angus. Her daughters also served as Nebraska
Angus Queens, and Block and Bridle Queens at the University of Nebraska.
Without Bette knowing, Eli and
Auxiliary members were sketching out a plan for her to receive the 2012 Distinguished
Woman of the Year Award. Although Eli passed away before Bette could accept the
honor, she knew Eli was with her in spirit.
While Bette stood on the Auxiliary
Breakfast stage sharing her gratitude for the Distinguished Woman of the Year
Award, she began to describe her marriage to not only her husband, but also to the
beef industry: “Thank you for this award, it was my family’s privilege to be in
the Angus business. We never had anything else in mind besides promoting Angus
beef.”
The
American Angus Auxiliary consists of individuals interested in the welfare of
the Angus breed. Its members work to
provide educational activities for junior Angus members, such as scholarship
programs, awards and competitions. For
more information about the American Angus Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com.
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