An Army veteran who lost his life in a motorcycle crash two months ago was remembered Sunday in Wichita through a benefit car show.

Hundreds of friends and car lovers gathered to raise money for Chris Burkes' family and also to spread the message of motorcycle awareness and safety.

"If this was somebody else's situation, he would be right there asking, 'What can I do?'" said Ilia Burkes, Chris's widow.

Burkes was a soldier, a husband and a friend who had a passion for anything with an engine. He was a member of a custom car club and had recently joined the Patriot Guard.

"He was just a good, clean cut, All American kid," said Jim Kelly, a member of the Patriot Guard and a friend of Chris's.

On February 9th, Burkes, who was a motorcycle awareness advocate, was killed on his motorcycle at Harry and Seneca. He was wearing his motorcycle awareness shirt.

"This was an accident that shouldn't have happened," said Kathy Willson, a friend of Burkes.

"He was always very safe, very careful. He paid attention to what was going on around him," said Ilia.

On what would have been his 34th birthday on Sunday, Burkes' friends carried on his message and helped out his family in a way they said was fitting... A car show.

"It would mean the world to him, just knowing that I'm okay and the support that everyone is showing would mean a lot to him," explains Ilia.

Kathy Willson grew up with Burkes and helped organize the show and auction.

"There are just some loose ends we need to tie up for his family," said Willson.

"Ilia is just in awe of the turnout today," said Kelly.

But it's also an effort to raise awareness about cars and motorcycles sharing the road.

"People just have to pay attention, get off the phone, stop playing with the radio. Pay attention and things like this won't happen," said Ilia.