Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Honors Two as 2005 Volunteers of the Year

AUBURN, IN - June 15, 2006: Bob Cramer and Roger Ellert may seem like two very different people, but they do have one special thing in common. The two were recently honored as Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum's Volunteers of the Year for 2005. In the past the museum has selected only one volunteer for this honor, but museum programs support manager Sharon Fouke didn't think that would be the right thing to do this year, "Bob and Roger both deserve this award for what seems like two very different reasons. In truth, it all boils down to the commitment and loyalty they have each given the museum." Cramer and Ellert were each presented with a personalized plaque during a recent museum event.

Bob Cramer has been a volunteer at the museum for over 14 years and is a vital part of the "Monday Morning Pit Crew." The "Pit Crew" is a group of volunteers who donate their time working on automobiles and other special mechanical projects in the shop across the street from the museum. Cramer has donated his time cleaning sparkplugs, grinding bumpers and sandblasting oil pans among other things. "Bob is more than a mechanic," according to Fouke. "Bob is always thinking of others before himself and constantly thinking of new ways the volunteers can help promote the museum. Bob works quietly in the background, but thoughtfully doing more than his fair share."

In only his third full year with the museum, Roger Ellert is the museum's main automotive maintenance technician, dusting cars on a regular basis throughout the week. Ellert is considered by many to be the best car duster that the museum has ever had. Ellert also helps the museum by making sure the mirrors behind the cars in the museum are clean and that the signs and ropes are straight. Fouke says that Ellert's best attribute is not so much the great work that he does, but the enthusiasm he shows to visitors while he is here, "Roger's enthusiasm for this museum and its collection is apparent when he talks with museum visitors. He tells stories about the cars in the museum in a way that it makes the guests just a little jealous that it isn't them polishing the car," said Fouke. "It is because of volunteers like Roger and Bob that this museum can function regularly and keep its doors open. They are vital to the museum's daily operations and they are all special to the museum."

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum can contact Fouke Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (260) 925-1444 ext. 39.

The not-for-profit Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is located in the restored 1930 art deco administrative building of the former Auburn Automobile Company. The museum displays 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars in eight galleries. The museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1997, is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information visit the museum's website www.acdmuseum.org