Passport to Downtown Batavia event raises nearly $2,000

The Batavia Woman’s Club’s Passport to Downtown Batavia event in July raised nearly $2,000 for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Closet and a Northern Illinois Food Bank mobile food truck to assist people in need, according to a news release.

The event, which cost $25 a ticket, guided shoppers to participating retailers in the downtown district.

The food pantry and closet relies heavily on small donations, most less than $50, Executive Director Eileen Pasero said in the release.

During this period of rising food prices, the pantry has seen a 15% increase among those seeking assistance, according to the release.

“I knew the Batavia Woman’s Club was one of the right organizations to call to spread the word about the need for more donations,” Pasero said. “This club is so involved and integrated into this town. I’m so glad I did. After mentioning our need to the club’s president Cynthia Kieckhefer, donations started coming in the next day.”

The money was raised through the sale of Passport tickets and donations at the Batavia Farmers Market, according to the release.

Kieckhefer credited the club’s passport committee, which included Mike Burke, Penny McDowell and Carolyn Leard, and support from the business community and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

“Our retailers are incredibly community-minded, generous and personally committed to Batavia,” Kieckhefer said in the release. “We’ve already heard from others who want to sign up for the Passport next year. And we know their involvement is good for them, too. The farmers market is the best of its kind in the area and draws people from many of our surrounding communities. They’ll be discovering our retailers through the Passport, spending and coming back. This is the definition of a win-win.”

While the uptick in contributions has helped the pantry though the short term, support still is needed. Those wishing to donate or potential volunteers can learn more by visiting bataviafoodpantry.org.

The Batavia Woman’s Club, a 132-year-old nonprofit, is open to women throughout the Fox River Valley area interested in making a difference in other people’s lives while sharing fellowship and friendship with others. More information is available at bataviawomansclub.org or email bwc1892@gmail.com.