The Padua Center Announces the “Peaces” of Art Celebration to be held on October 9, 2022

Baldemar Velasquez

The Padua Center Announces the “Peaces” of Art Celebration to be held on October 9, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 at the Sullivan Center, 2049 Parkside Blvd. Toledo Ohio.

Baldemar Velasquez has been chosen to be the keynote speaker  for the Padua Center’s “Peaces” of Art celebration.  Baldemar Valesquez  is internationally known for his work with FLOC (Farm Laborer’s Organizing committee), an organization that he founded and presently serves as president

Baldemar leads FLOC on a national and international level. He also has organized the FLOC Homies and is a founder of the Black/Brown Unity Coalition

Mr. Velasquez will also be the recipient of The Padua Promoter’s Award, given to someone who exemplifies the values of The Padua Center – empowering people at all stages of development.

Fletcher Word, owner and publisher of Sojourner’s Truth newspaper will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Fletcher Word is a native of New York City and grew up in the Washington, DC area. He  received a degree in Political Science and Government from Harvard University.

Mr. Word  is active in the Toledo community and  is president of the Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union Board. He is guiding the TUFCU in an expansion  of its services and buildings.

Mr. Word supports the work of The Padua Center and promotes its activities through print media.

A highlight of the event will be the silent auctioning of a framed counted cross stitch picture done by Kay Shrewsbery. This  piece of work made of thousands of small stitches reflects the cultural and ethnic riches of the African American community.  The  picture, as well as some other auction items are listed on the Betterworld auction site now and bids can be made immediately. Bidding on the Betterworld site will continue through the “Peaces “of Art Event.

Art work created by the children of The Padua Center will be auctioned in the live auction.

Music will be provided by “Straight Up” and a variety of food selections will be provided at numerous serving stations. Tickets ($40) and more information are available by calling The Padua Center, 419-241-6465, or visiting the webpage: www.paduacenter.org.

If you go:  Peaces of Art, a silent and live auction to benefit the work of The Padua Center, Sunday, October 9, 2022,  5:00-7:00 at The Sullivan Center, 2049 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, Ohio.

Bidding for selected items is open now and will continue through the event at:  https://paduacenter.betterworld.org/auctions/peaces-art-2021?

The “Peaces” of Art Celebration includes a silent auction, dining stations, and art work done by the children of The Padua Center.  Blademar Valesquez will be the keynote speaker and honoree of the Padua Promoter’s award. Fletcher Word will be Master of Ceremonies.