Another Record Breaking Year for Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Volunteers

AUBURN Ind. February 4, 2008; Volunteers at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum donated 1,412 more hours to the museum in 2007 than in 2006. Museum volunteers contributed a record 15,674 hours to the operation of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in 2007.

Over 100 volunteers currently donate their time and talents in such areas as admissions, special events, gift shop, bulk mailings, automobile maintenance, docents, gallery guides and clerical duties. The museum continually looks for new volunteers who would like to donate time to the museum, no matter how much or how little time a person has. Skylar VanZile, the museum's youngest volunteer, at 13 years old started volunteering in March of 2007 after school two days a week. "I really enjoy being at the museum and interacting with the public," said VanZile. Sharon Fouke, the program support manager and registrar at the museum, realizes just how valuable volunteers are to the museum's daily operation, "The museum's success depends greatly on the volunteers," said Fouke. "Every department in the museum has at least one volunteer working in it, and some departments are almost entirely made up of volunteers. The volunteers are actively involved in every event, fundraiser, gallery project and many other museum activities. Our volunteers play a part in making sure the visitor's experience is a success. It's been said a thousand times, but it's true; we couldn't do it without them!" stated Fouke.

Volunteer docents donated 4,403 hours to the museum. Other areas where volunteers contributed significant time include: clerical services, 2,454 hours; auto maintenance, 2,510 hours; admissions, 2,416 hours; archives, 948 hours; and building maintenance, 567 hours.

Two volunteers, Roger Ellert and Norb Adams, each contributed over 500 hours. Ellert lead the group with 810 hours donated to the museum, mostly in dusting the museum's extensive automobile collection. Adams donates the majority of his time cataloging and helping to preserve the museum's vast archival collection.

Volunteers who gave over 400 hours of their time include Dan Beese, Bob Brotherton, Jo Ann Brotherton, Ralph DePaolo, Jeanette Riddle, Mary Schmidt and Vi Tressler.

Volunteers who donated 300 hours of their time are Ellen Bates, Paul Lutz, Joan Morr, John Rosener and Ken Wilcoxson.

Volunteers who contributed over 200 hours of service include: Phyllis Adams, Vivian Ball, Mary Ruth Beeber, Polly Blickenstaff, Barbara Bonfield-DeLong, Bob Cramer, Juanita Crowl, Clara Crozier, Carolyn DePaolo, Alex Grate, Sonia Lyon, John McQuown, Bob Maxwell, Ferne Moats, Roger Moore, Robert Probst, Joan Treesh-Reetz, Bob Reetz, Chuck Schmidt and Sharon Spake.

Volunteers donating over 100 hours of service are Joey Aiken, Lowell Batterton, Mike Buchs, Jim Carper, Tom Cashman, Clayton Crowl, Don Friend, David Fry, Jenyce Grate, George Haller, Art Howard, Warren Johnson, Stan Knisley, Evelyn Lutz, Joan Meek, Marion Myers, Emmajeane Roop and Kate Rosener.

Volunteers who donated up to 100 hours of their time are, Jerry Bauermeister, Sue Bauermeister, Joyce Bidlack, David Birchfield, Larry Brinkman, Frank Bueker, Mary Campbell, Heather Castleman, Max Conner, Sue Conner, Kristi Cortezano, Mike Davis, Linda Delgado, Betty Dilgard, Mike Dockery, Paula Dockery, Al Ensley, Kay Finchum, Dick Fishering, Norma Fry, Julia Garton, Jack Graham, Jean Gronendyke, Elise Hippensteel, Lois Hoelle, Helene Jacquay, Michael Kline, Sharon Kline, Barb Koskie, Marilyn Launer, Herman Lemper, Mildred Lemper, Diane Locasico, Ken Locasico, Barb Lockwood, Al Marley, Dorothy Marley, Roy Martin, Lou Metelko, Jack Moats, John Moats, Bob Moore, Marcia Moore, Molly O'Rouke, Carol Pontius, Don Prichard, Jack Randinelli, Jamie Roberts, Norm Runion, Jerry Schippers, Glenice Seigel, Karen Sigl, Joe Snider, Nancy Stairhime, Mike Starkey, Roger Steup, David Turner, Skylar VanZile, Rosemary Wall, Tom Walter, George Wappes, Helen Wappes, Dean Wing, June Wyss, Jerry Zonker and Sharon Zonker.

"Every job, regardless of how big or small the task, is equally important to the museum's success," said Fouke. "Every envelope that is sealed, every phone that is answered, every wall that is painted and every car that is dusted, along with every guest that is greeted, is very important. This group works so well together that I consider myself very lucky to have such a diverse group to learn from. They make the museum a better place to be, each and every day." Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the museum should contact Fouke at the museum by calling 260-925-1444, extension 39.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum - where the world's finest cars of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. Admission is charged, with group and family rates available. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year round. In 2008, plan a visit and bring your family to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where automotive history comes to life! acdmuseum.org