Special to The Truth
Each year Padua Promoters are honored for their efforts supporting the work of The Padua Center. The honorees for 2023 are Bishop Robert Culp and Mary Jane Flores.
Bishop Culp, recently retired from The First Church of God after 62 years of ministry, has been an advocate for the work of The Padua Center His list of accomplishments is note worthy and his continued passion for racial and social justice is known throughout the city.
Mary Jane Flores, a retired nurse anesthetist who served as a Navy Nurse, has been a consistent supporter of The Padua Center. Mary Jane has always had a heart for those who are poor as evidenced by twenty-seven years of mission trips to the Dominican Republic. She is a regular attendee at “Peaces” of Art and a great friend of those who need a little help in life.
The Padua Center relies heavily on volunteers and this year the Volunteer Awards go to Liz Facey and Tom McDonald. Liz and Tom are parents of two children and two granddaughters.
Because the Padua Center gives special attention to the tutoring needs of the children in the Nia Program, Liz was called to assist several children with reading challenges. Liz responded and comes three days a week to work with three special children. She also assisted in running the primary children’s summer camp in 2022.
Tom McDonald, retired librarian, is one of the directors of the Tree Toledo Program, an ministry of the Holy Spirit Catholic Community. Tom has often come to The Padua Center to assist the children in potting trees that they then take home to plant and to watch grow.
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-2023
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.