When John Saindon bought the Kansas Sunflower Swap Meet a decade ago, he was hoping for a return on his investment.
But not for himself. Saindon planned to donate all profits from the event to AbilityPoint, which serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Astute businessman that he is — Saindon owns Ron’s Sign Co., which does business across the Midwest — his bet on the swap meet paid off. To date, the swap meet has generated about $250,000 for AbilityPoint.
Now in its 50th year, the 2026 swap meet will bring thousands of classic car fans, collectors, vendors and community members to Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, March 6-7.
In an interview, Saindon said the swap meet was in danger of closing when he acquired it. He saw it as a way to help his friend, Carl Fry, a fellow automotive enthusiast who runs a classic car show for AbilityPoint’s benefit. Fry’s daughter, Kimberly, attends AbilityPoint, and both men have served on that nonprofit’s board.
Saindon “doesn’t just sponsor this event,” said Kevin Fish, executive director of AbilityPoint. “He devotes his time and resources to make it a success so that every dollar raised supports people of all abilities.”
Granted, it’s partly a labor of love. Saindon owns 82 cars, a figure he doesn’t consider particularly remarkable. “As a collection, it’s probably bigger than most people have but there are individuals in town who have bigger and probably more quality” collections, he said.
At the meet, vendors can offer everything from complete cars to their minutest parts. Saindon said it’s a different experience than shopping for parts online.
“People can touch them, they can compare them,” he said. “You can’t trade online, you can trade here. It’s more of a hands-on experience.”
Tickets to the swap meet are $15. Booths can be rented by visiting kssunflowerswapmeet.com or calling (316) 491-9969.
