This week Wichita Downtown Development Corp. (WDDC) is hosting workshops to foster grassroots community engagement for downtown Wichita. During these workshops participants will be given an imaginary $500 to make Wichita a “better more interesting place,” which begs the question will any group reward the people already working hard to make Wichita an interesting place?
My first thought is to donate $500 to the unfortunate tornado victims.
If it were not for Saturday’s storms I would first use the money to treat the office to authentic Mexican cuisine at Angela’s Café on the corner of E Central and N Mosley ($50).
On my way home I’d stop by Yoder Meats to buy some award winning smoked meats and cheeses. Next door at the Seafood Shop I’d pick up some fresh lobster tail, ($100, yes you can get fresh seafood in land locked Wichita)!
To go with my surf and turf dinner 
I’d buy a bottle of Grace Hill Winery’s fine Cabernet Franc, made from grapes grown right here in Kansas ($24). Then travel up northwest to the Wichita Brewing Company to purchase a growler of their handcrafted Half-Wit Wheat ($16).
All this driving around would surely wear down my tires, fortunately Wichita is home to Tracy’s Automotive, where I can receive a much needed tune-up and new set of tires ($250).
While waiting on my new tires I would enjoy some live music as I chow down on a delectable Maple Bacon donut at the Donut Whole ($10).
Luckily Safe Riders could drive me to the Shockers game where I can enjoy the 70 and sunny weather with friends ($50).
Wichita is home to an “interesting” community; let’s stop implying that our hard working businesses are boring and start rewarding the individuals that have been here making this community great.