"Revving Up Joy" Car Show Celebrates Classic Cars and Community Connection

Libby Hastings • June 24, 2025

Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC) hosted its first-ever community car show this month, and we’re still riding high from the energy, joy, and connections sparked at the event. Despite a little Kansas rain, 28 beautiful classic cars and over 200 attendees came out to celebrate.


We were thrilled to welcome residents from both Pioneer Ridge and Presbyterian Manor, who joined alongside their families, caregivers, and community members to admire the lineup of vintage vehicles. The car show was part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, and we couldn’t think of a better way to bring generations together for fun, fresh air (a little drizzle), and conversation.


We gave away over $100 through our 50/50 raffle, raffled off three gift cards and a car banner (each paired with a KABC t-shirt), and awarded four standout cars:

  • Oldest Car – 1917 Dodge Roadster
  • KABC’s Choice – 1937 Buick
  • Resident’s Choice – 1955 Chevy Bel Air
  • Best in Show – 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1


None of this would have been possible without our outstanding planning committee, especially Max and Dalton, who helped steer every detail from concept to execution. We also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to our volunteers—Garrett, Richard, and Kurt—for helping during the show, and to our dedicated board member Barbara Braa, who stayed for the entire event to lend a hand.


Special thanks to our generous event host, Rev City Church, for providing the perfect space to showcase these cars and connect with our community.


We’re also deeply grateful to our event partners:

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts and Audio-Reader Network, for setting up booths, handing out free goodies, and powering through the downpour 
  • ThisN’That-LFK, for serving up delicious food and drinks to keep spirits high
  • Douglas County Community Foundation, whose support made this event a reality
  • Our giveaway sponsors: Summit Racing Equipment, Stoner Car Care, Gateway Classic Cars, and EATON Detroit Spring – thank you for helping us create a memorable experience for all


From the rumble of vintage engines to the smiles shared between residents and car enthusiasts alike, this car show reminded us why community connection is so vital—especially for those in long-term care.


We’re already looking ahead to next year’s show. Until then, thank you for celebrating 50 years of advocacy, community, and care with us.

Advocacy in Action (September 2025): KABC Testifies on FY26 Budgets

By Libby Hastings • September 3, 2025
Dan Goodman, KABC Executive Director, recently provided testimony to both the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) during their Fiscal Year 2026 budget hearings. Our message was clear: Kansas must invest in systems that protect the dignity, independence, and well-being of older Kansans. Key Recommendations from KABC Protect Access to In-Home Services • Projected shortfalls of $27M in FY26 and $70M in FY27 threaten the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver. • Without funding, older Kansans may face a waitlist for services, leading to premature nursing home placement. Strengthen Care Coordination • Frail Elderly, Physically Disabled, and Brain Injury waiver recipients currently lack dedicated case management. • KABC urged implementation of the long-overdue $20M Community Care Coordination Service. Improve Oversight & Resident Protections (KDADS) • Surveyor vacancies are near 50%, delaying inspections and weakening resident protections. • We called for wage increases and innovative staffing models to close gaps in oversight. Increase the Personal Needs Allowance • Nursing home residents in Kansas receive only $62/month for personal expenses. • KABC supports raising this allowance—closer to the $70 national average—and tying it to cost-of-living adjustments. Continue the Statewide Senior Resource Guide (KDADS) • KABC requested $150,000 to maintain and distribute the statewide guide annually. • This investment ensures older Kansans have access to accurate, trusted information on care and services. Why It Matters By 2030, more than 20% of Kansans will be age 65 or older. Budget decisions made today will directly impact whether older Kansans can age with dignity, safety, and independence. Read KABC’s full testimonies to KDADS here and KDHE here .

Facility #2, 3, 4, and 5, Interview with Steve

September 2, 2025
Steve shares his journey through multiple long-term care facilities after a major surgery, describing repeated medication errors, poor food quality, untrained staff, and systemic neglect. His story highlights how understaffing, weak oversight, and profit-driven management leave residents without advocacy and dignity.