(Greensburg, IN) — The inaugural Runway Classic brought more than 100 vehicles to the Greensburg Municipal Airport and raised over $15,000 for Genesis: Pathways to Success.
The Aug. 29 fundraiser, presented by Honda, attracted car enthusiasts, aviation fans and families for a day featuring 103 vehicles, three airplanes, food and community activities.
Proceeds will support Genesis programs focused on youth education, career development and entrepreneurship throughout southeastern Indiana.
“The success of our inaugural Runway Classic is a great example of what can happen when businesses, volunteers, and community members come together for a common purpose,” said Rob Moorhead, president of the Genesis: Pathways to Success Board of Directors.
Moorhead said raising more than $15,000 in the event’s first year was a significant accomplishment and would help the organization continue expanding its programs.
“Just as importantly, events like this help us build community partnerships and the financial sustainability that will allow Genesis to continue growing and making a difference for years to come,” Moorhead said.
Local and regional vehicles earn honors
David and Jill Burris of Greenwood earned the event’s Grand Champion award with their 1939 Chevrolet two-door sedan.
Larry and Laura Trees of Greensburg won the Crowd Favorite award with their 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, while Danny Dewitt of Shelbyville received the Airport Choice award for his 1963 Chevrolet Impala.
Other category winners included:
- Best Classic: Jeff Kunkel of West Harrison, 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396.
- Best Survivor (Unrestored): Blake Watters of Lawrenceburg, 1964 Chevrolet Corvair.
- Best Modern: Gary and Katie Stoffel of Greensburg, 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302.
- Best Import: Kaloni Conner of Waldron, 1993 Toyota Mark II.
- Best American: Shirley Stenger of Brookville, 1979 Dodge Power Wagon.
- Longest Distance Traveled: Serafin Jovet of Cincinnati, who traveled 68 miles with his 1970 Volkswagen Westfalia Campmobile.
Top 10 vehicles recognized
Event organizers also selected 10 outstanding vehicles, with no particular ranking:
- Serafin Jovet of Cincinnati — 1970 Volkswagen Westfalia Campmobile.
- Danny Dewitt of Shelbyville — 1963 Chevrolet Impala.
- Richard Hartwell of Batesville — 2020 Dodge Challenger.
- Bruce Bryan of Greensburg — 1998 Chevrolet Corvette.
- David Kiser of New Palestine — 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria.
- Todd Davis of Westport — 1966 Ford F-100.
- Colleen and Mike Carman of St. Paul — 1970 Buick Skylark.
- Rick Caswell of Greensburg — 1965 Chevrolet Impala.
- David Tays of Greensburg — 1970 Plymouth Road Runner.
- David Sell of Shelbyville — 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt.
More than a car show
The event combined automotive displays with aviation attractions, giving visitors an opportunity to see cars and airplanes together at the airport.
Genesis organized the Runway Classic as a new fundraising opportunity to help sustain its educational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The Batesville-based nonprofit provides hands-on learning experiences designed to build critical thinking, workforce skills and an entrepreneurial mindset among young people and other participants.
Programs include activities in science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and mathematics, along with career development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Organizers credited the event’s success to participating vehicle owners, volunteers, spectators and business sponsors.
Sponsors support first-year event
Honda served as presenting sponsor, with Patterson’s Nursery as premier runway sponsor.
The Friendship State Bank and Friendship Insurance sponsored the Best in Show award. Performance sponsors included Green Sign Company, SME and The Stitch in Time.
Pit Crew sponsors included Batesville Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Best Way, Chozen Designs, Delta Faucet, German American Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Ripley County Community Foundation, Sam and Nancy Durham, and The Napoleon State Bank.
Following the successful debut, Genesis hopes to make the Runway Classic an annual community tradition.
The organization is an independent nonprofit based at 13 E. George St., Suite B, in Batesville.
For more information about Genesis: Pathways to Success and its programs, visit genesisp2s.org or call 812-933-1098.
