Indianapolis Cars & Coffee Hosts Auto Events for Important Causes
Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Ron Wise
Drew Yagodnik, managing director of Indianapolis Cars & Coffee, says car enthusiasts looking for a relaxing diversion will appreciate the organization, which helps the community.
“Indianapolis Cars & Coffee is a national nonprofit uniting Indy auto enthusiasts and accelerating a positive impact on our community,” Yagodnik says. “We host monthly events from March to October, all of which are completely free to the public thanks to our amazing sponsors and volunteers. All car enthusiasts are welcome. Simply put, if you like cars – classics, collectibles, sports, imports, old, new, and some downright unusual – and/or love being surrounded by people of all ages who also like cars, such as those which have a roadworthy certificate, you should stop by.”
Indianapolis Cars & Coffee also hosts car shows and raises money for Folds of Honor, another nonprofit.
“As a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, national nonprofit, Indianapolis Cars & Coffee partners with companies to host car-related events around the greater Indianapolis area that create a safe and memorable experience for all, while providing revenue sources for our selected charity organization,” Yagodnik says. “We’re proud to donate 100% of event proceeds in 2022 to Folds of Honor Indiana. This includes donations made by our sponsors, attendees, T-shirt sales and more. Folds of Honor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing educational scholarships to the children and spouses of military members who have fallen or become disabled in service.”
Folds of Honor has awarded $35,000 in scholarship money for primary, secondary and higher education since 2007.
“In 2022 we hope to raise $50,000 for Folds of Honor Indiana to aid in their mission of helping families here in the Hoosier state,” Yagodnik says.
Michael L. Daggett, president of Folds of Honor Indiana, has nothing but praise for Cars & Coffee.
“Move over baseball and apple pie, there’s a new American craze brewing, and it’s Cars & Coffee,” Daggett says. “Bright and early on a Saturday morning, people from all walks of life wake up, start their engines and meet up to share their stories with each other. Since it’s early, the cup of joe provides the fuel for the drivers. It’s a trend that celebrates the automobile while enjoying American freedom that extends far beyond the open road.”
Daggett adds that having the gang from Indianapolis Cars & Coffee amplify the Folds of Honor cause has been tremendous.
“Car owners are passionate and patriotic, so giving them an outlet to learn more about our mission brings a whole new community of patriots to our front door,” Daggett says. “They have done amazing work so far and we are excited to continue working together.”
Yagodnik notes that Indianapolis Cars & Coffee also teams up with local businesses that offer to host events in areas including Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Brownsburg and Plainfield.
“So far in 2022, each Indianapolis Cars & Coffee event has attracted between 500 and 2,000 cars and spectators, with our most-attended event taking place in May at Tom Wood Aviation, hosted by Tom Wood Automotive,” Yagodnik says.
Cars & Coffee, which includes car enthusiasts from Carmel, also partners with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to support the monthly Cars & Coffee events.
Yagodnik, who is also vice president of Classic Auto Insurance, says other businesses also sponsor Cars & Coffee.
“Local and national businesses who are passionate about the car community, the Folds of Honor mission, and supporting the organizations that matter to our staff of volunteers, also offer sponsorships,” he says. “Many people don’t know that Indianapolis Cars & Coffee is 100% run by a group of volunteers. These people donate their time and talents not only to run the day-of events as smoothly as possible, but to continuously plan, market, brand, fundraise, engage and strategize all season long. Our paid sponsors make it possible to allow us to host incredible events around Indianapolis and donate 100% of the proceeds of our events to Folds of Honor Indiana.”
2022 series sponsors include Hagerty, Motor EV, Pristine Auto Spa, Gary Swift Group with COMPASS Real Estate, Mecum Auctions, SILO Auto Club and Conservancy, Classic Auto Insurance, MOTORVAULT, SignCraft, Kerauno, Jack’s Donuts, and Java House.
“We are also grateful to have a solid list of supporting sponsor companies including Dynamat, York Automotive, Redline Ace, SupplyKick, and Wild Kard Vintage,” Yagodnik says.
What Yagodnik likes best about Cars & Coffee is the Indy car community and their enthusiasm for each event.
“They are some of the most lively and loyal people out there,” he says. “They show up rain or shine, always ready to admire cars and support an incredible cause. It’s the best way to spend a Saturday morning.”
For more information on Indianapolis Cars & Coffee including a full event schedule, check out indianapoliscarsandcoffee.org. Also text CARS to 317-458-9729 for event updates.
