Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
A Worthy Cause: Sean Caldwell, general manager of Mio Vicino, dishes out bruschetta, pasta, pizza and beer as one of more than 30 sponsors of the first-ever 'A Taste of Willow Glen' event to raise funds for the nonprofit Diabetes Society.
Lincoln Ave. event benefits nonprofit
Several businesses participated in the first-ever Taste of WG
By Kate Carter
Nearly 400 people visited and, in some cases, discovered shops and restaurants along Lincoln Avenue last week, to sample their wares and support a Willow Glen nonprofit organization.
The first-ever Taste of Willow Glen event from 5 to 8 p.m. July 18 raised more than $9,000, with a portion of that going to the Diabetes Society. Individuals who purchased the $30 "passports" ($35 at the door) received food and drink at nearly 20 avenue restaurants and tokens and discounts at more than 10 retails shops.
"We think the event went better than anticipated," said Jason Rehfeld of Marketing Maniacs, the Willow Glen marketing firm that produced the event. "It's kind of like adult trick-or-treating."
Marketing Maniacs Owner Darlene Tenes said her company had hoped to sell 1,000 passports, a goal it didn't meet. She said her company lost money on the event, but said it was "well worth it" and has plans to make it an annual festivity and to double next year's participation.
"It's really all about the merchants," Tenes said. "People are actually stopping in and are not distracted."
Many of the business owners said it was the first time some people had ever visited them.
"We've had a lot of people come in here who had no idea we were here," said Lee Mussman of What Women Want Swimwear, who was giving away certificates for 30 percent off a purchase.
Dave Jordan, of Willow Glen Custom Jewelers, agreed. Jordan gave away certificates for a free jewelry appraisal and cleaning.
"A lot of people walk up and down the street and never go in the local stores," he said.
The businesses did their best to impress the passport-holders, and many were impressed.
"I can't believe the quality of the food," Tenes said. "I don't know how much more food people can eat."
Noah's Bagels offered up a smorgasbord of sandwiches, salads, baked goods and other entrees, plus soda and coffee. Mio Vicino's served bruschetta, pasta, pizza and Gordon Biersch beer. Emperor's Garden provided a buffet of a variety of Chinese favorites.
Chris Kouretas, of John's Xlnt Foods, was serving up Greek casserole and stuffed grape leaves--that won rave reviews up and down the avenue--and a white retsina.
"We're just trying to get a little exposure," he said after his first wave of about 20 hungry visitors. "It's a good cause, too."
Paul Clemmensen, president of the Diabetes Society's board of directors, said he was pleased with the event and the support from the businesses.
"This is fun; it's good to see people having fun," he said. "We're just happy this event is happening for us. We're really happy with our home in Willow Glen. The participation with the merchants is something we've always enjoyed."
Society Executive Director Sharon Ogbor said $5 from each ticket would be used to support the organization's educational and outreach efforts and youth and family camps.
Almaden resident Theresa Remen brought seven members of her bridge club to the event, which was important to her because her 4-year-old grandson has diabetes.
"It's also a fun event on a nice night," she said.
Robyn and Bernie Levine of Details clothing store said it was also important to them to participate in the event, because they, too, have or had families members with diabetes.
"It's just a wonderful cause," Robyn Levine said. "It's nice to participate in anything that brings the community together, and we have a great community."
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
