C COMMUNITY
overlooked for the shopping centers along Mooney Boulevard, were the stars of the night – though the refreshments were definitely winners in the supporting role. For some, Downtown Visalia is the perfect destination for a Saturday stroll, but for others it is the street where their favorite restaurant is – not necessarily where they shop for clothes or gift items. The purpose of the event was to bring more people into the businesses downtown and to educate the public on what they can then find there, explained Bott. And by the number of shopping bags seen on the arms of the men and women
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with a wine glass in their hand, the goal was met. Shayla Cullum, a 24-year-old native of Visalia participated in this year’s Walk as well as the inaugural event and has been pleasantly surprised by the various businesses located downtown. “I didn’t know many of the shops I visited on the Walk existed, I was happy to find these places where I can now shop and support local business rather than the larger retail stores in town.” And to top it all off, 10 percent of the net profits from the Walk went to benefit the Visalia Rescue Mission, whose mission is to provide hope and restoration through
Jesus Christ to our area’s underserved. There is a homeless population throughout downtown and the Business Development Committee took this opportunity to support the Rescue Mission. “We want to help and do something about it when we can, and I love what the Rescue Mission is doing for our city,” said Bott, explaining why the Rescue Mission was chosen as the non-profit to partner up with. The second annual Wine and Cheese Walk, again, proved it was good for attendees, good for the wineries, good for business, and overall, great for the city of Visalia.