When not writing his legislators in the Empire State, Kevin Todd enjoys participating in vehicle-related events along with most fellow SEMA Action Network (SAN) members. In light of the current challenge, his automotive community has been in search of their own creative way to combat the difficult time like so many others. “Upstate and down-state New York have been impacted differently but the situation has still interrupted our area’s spring swap meets, shows, dirt and paved circle tracks as well as our local drag strip, Empire Dragway,” he says.

Kevin and other locals in Rochester recently assembled for the “Covid19 Classic Car Cruise 2020” to thank health care workers for their important roles. A variety of vintage and specialty cars and trucks met at an empty mall parking lot with driving directions in-hand to greet several hospitals. Social distancing practices prevented participants from leaving their rides at each of the hospital stops.

Organizers originally thought the event would draw 150-200 participants—surprisingly, more than 400 showed up for the morning drive. “The group grew and grew, ultimately surpassed the totals anyone had originally hoped for,” explains Kevin. In fact, the high number of participants required a route change from the schedule. This photo offers only a portion of the final gathering. He says that credit for the turnout is owed to the proprietors of B&C Restorations and Bitchen Customs, Billy and Tricia. “They organized the plan, sent out the word and it got around fast. I can only thank them both for their foresight and generosity by planning such an awesome event—it was an extraordinary day all around.”

The next cruise is scheduled for Saturday, June 6^th—find out more information on the organizer’s website.