'Passport to Batavia' on July 30 combines shopping and philanthropy

My friend is always sporting some cute new outfit or piece of jewelry. I often find her munching on some yummy piece of cookie or pastry too. So every time I ask her where she bought that cute new top, or unique earrings, or scrumptious cupcake, her answer is always, "Oh it's this cute new place in Batavia!"

And so "Passport to Batavia" was born.

The Batavia Woman's Club is offering folks who like to shop, a cool way to also help their community. It's fun and philanthropy rolled into one!

All proceeds will go to feed the hungry in our communities. Find all the new trendy, stylish and appetizing places Batavia has to offer you!

Passports are limited. Then pick up your very own "passport" at the Batavia Farmers Market on July 30 for a rewarding shopping trip through town. You'll get your "travel luggage" filled with provisions for your journey, including a wine and cheese tasting to fortify you as you shop.

Eighteen merchants will await you with special offers, discounts and free stuff. Get a chance to win $100 of Batavia Chamber bucks! That's $100 to spend at Batavia merchants.

You will be surprised to find all the stores tucked away in many of Batavia's old limestone and historic buildings, filled with treasures.

Many of these businesses got their start at the Batavia Boardwalk shops, a very trendy way to give new businesses a means to test the waters before opening up their own "brick and mortar" stores.

The 18 merchants include: Bee-Attitudes Antiques, Bocaditos Cafe, CatTalpa Manor, Daddio's Diner, Dash Ten Works, Farmdog Flowers, Flyleaf Bakery Cafe, Gia Bella Designs, House of 423, Wilson Street Mercantile, Mojo Purses, Paula's Couture Consignment, Pretty Pages, Red Hive, Salon by the River, Six + Cypress, Special Occasions, and Windmille Grille.

The Batavia Woman's Club is a 501(c)3 philanthropic organization focused on the local community. And in doing so, we have a long history of shopping to do good!

Set aside Saturday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to enjoy your "Passport to Batavia." Consider buying one for a friend.

Together with Batavia Main Street and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the Batavia Woman's Club has put together a shopping journey we are sure you will enjoy and we know will keep you traveling back to Batavia.

To buy your Passport ticket for $20, go to www.bataviawomansclub.org or call Diane Anderson at (630) 373-1793 or Mike Burke at (630) 802-5641.