Following the organization’s theme of “She Knows Where She’s Going,” Girls Inc. of Jefferson County honored four women for their contributions to the community including three who were on hand at Tuesday’s 20th annual luncheon.
The women, all Madison natives, include Elizabeth Auxier, Shelly Hamilton, Betsey Vonderheide and the late Mary G. Clashman.
Auxier is the owner and operator of Auxier Marketing. In 2016, she partnered with her husband, Charles Requet III, to create the nonprofit Friends of the Ohio Theatre to acquire the iconic Main Street theater and preserve Madison’s cinematic heritage, and has partnered with volunteers and community groups to provide movies, concerts, plays and other events. Auxier was a Girls Inc. member and is a long-time supporter of the organization. She is a three-time Girl of the Year and former director of development.
Hamilton is the only certified water safety Instructor in the region, and has made it her lifelong passion to teach swimming lessons and lifeguarding classes to ensure area pools are safe recreational choices with qualified lifeguards. A teacher and swim coach with Southwestern Schools, she is also actively involved with youth programs and mission work at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Vonderheide was community relations director at King’s Daughters’ Health, followed by 13 years working as special projects director at the City of Madison for Mayor Al Huntington. She also worked as an environmental educator for seven counties in the Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District. Vonderheide and her late husband formerly owned and operated 411 Flowers on Main Street in Madison. Early in her career, she was a news writer for WORX radio in Madison and promotion director for WKRC radio in Cincinnati.
Clashman, who died on Oct. 17, 2022, was a memorial honoree. Clashman, 94, was founder of Madison’s Riverfront Development committee as well as founder and president of the Jefferson County Animal Welfare Fund. She was a life member of both the Madison Salvation Army Advisory and the Nature Conservancy.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefit local Girls Inc. The nonprofit provides after-school, outreach, and summer programming for girls ages 5 to 18. The organization offers members a variety of activities, from science experiments and homework assistance to cooking and economic literacy. There is a focus on its core essential services of academic enrichment and support, healthy living, and life skills, and a mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
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