While car-emphasized events are offered throughout every city in the U.S., Indianapolis Cars and Coffee is a rare new breed compared to the usual infrastructure of club meets and car shows. Without a “membership” composition intertwined with fees or rigid commitment, the nonprofit organization’s events are an opportunity for fanatics who might not have the necessary time or resources to take part in every gathering. “Having (the events) throughout the city in different locations, I think that’s what draws people to come out. If you want something fun to do with your kids, or you’re simply looking to fill some free time on a Saturday morning, Indy Cars and Coffee is such a welcoming environment. It’s a perfect mix of many things,” Horstmann said, explaining the clear connection between fun, freedom and the need for community-backed resources. “People come to an event, they can buy a cup of coffee or merchandise, and those proceeds go directly to one of our missions. We rely on sponsors and the community for funding. This season, we’re fundraising for Folds of Honor Indiana, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of first responders and military members who have fallen or have been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces.” “Last year, we raised over $18,000 for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana,” Yagodnik added. “This year, we’ll donate over $55,000 to Folds of Honor. Next year, we’ll try to beat that.” While the charity-focused organization persists each year to secure more resources for community needs, Yagodnik said that the growing number of attendees continues to increase exponentially as well. “A few years ago, we had maybe 200 or 300 people show up per event. By 2023, that figure has quadrupled.” With the large influx of attendees and supporters increasing every year, the team at Indianapolis Cars and Coffee hopes to incorporate more volunteers to continue its endeavors of charitable work, partnering with sponsors like Mecum Auctions, Hagerty, Motorvault, Pristine Auto Spa and Classic Auto Insurance to maintain successful events while inviting younger crowds to stand up and do right. “Going forward, we’re relying on different demographics to help support the cause. Inviting the youth to Indy Cars and Coffee is a critical step in ensuring the future of funding for such meaningful causes,” Yagodnik said. With events held between April and October at extraordinary locations, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Cars and Coffee events are always loaded with new exhilarating additions, such as known Indianapolis car collector Chris MacAllister’s display of some of the world’s rarest vehicles—a Jim Clark Lotus F1 and highly sought-after Porsche 917, for example. “Individuals with cars like these tend to bring people out, and that’s what we want to do. We want to create an exciting experience for everyone while supporting the same community charities that support Indy Cars and Coffee, such as Folds of Honor, where over 90 cents of each dollar raised goes to their mission,” Yagodnik stated proudly. “We’re committed to bringing together enthusiasts and making a positive impact—it truly is an honor to raise money for such fantastic organizations.” For more information on Indianapolis Cars and Coffee events, or to donate to causes like Folds of Honor Indiana, be sure to visit the organization’s Facebook, Instagram or website at IndianapolisCarsAndCoffee.org and Indiana.FoldsOfHonor.org.
