Owning a business often takes a little elbow grease. Other times it takes a lot of partying. I recall when Cat Battista and I first met at Tredwell Coffee to get to know each other. Battista, who is the director of Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, said she loves a good party.
I quickly introduced her to Shannon Gutierrez, owner of Wyckwood House, in Aurora, so that they could collaborate. Soon after, all three of us were hosts to the first Cocktails for a Cause at Gutierrez’ shop to benefit the Pantry.
Battista collaborated with Tredwell Coffee and Ballydoyle Irish Pub to start a food drive for the Pantry at November’s First Fridays.
In December, Battista will collaborate with Gutierrez once again on the sold out Cocoa Crawl during First Fridays. The Food Pantry will sponsor the stop with hot chocolate donated by a company. The Pantry will be at If These Walls Could Talk Friday, Dec. 6 for the framing gallery’s annual Pack the Pantry art auction that will be a benefit for the Pantry.
Battista loves a good party, and so do we.
For Giving Tuesday, both SciTech Hands On Museum and The Venue will open its doors for a night-of giving party December 3 to both encourage donations and thank donors.
SciTech, 18 W. Benton Street,from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., will have computers readily available for guests to donate on the IL Give website. Along with free Museum entry, it will be a fun way to celebrate giving in the Fox Valley.
The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, will be a partner with Batavia’s Water Street Studios to present a Giving Tuesday benefit concert from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Tickets cost $20.
This year, Aurora Downtown joined forces with many nonprofits in downtown Aurora to help promote Giving Tuesday. Nick Thompson with ACTV, created a video that included approximately a dozen nonprofits. The video is available on Aurora Downtown’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
I’m looking forward to growing our collaborative efforts with more Aurora-area nonprofits. I’m looking forward to more parties. I hope you’ll join us.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit of downtown business and property owners. Find out more at auroradowntown.org.