Dear Friends of Padua Center,

As the calendar months are turned, we quickly think of the wonderful Fall Padua Center fundraiser: “Peaces” of Art. We are so excited about our “Peaces” of Art Celebration this year. We know that you will not want to miss this fundraiser for Padua Center and the chance to hear a nationally known speaker and a great supporter of Padua Center: Dr. Celia Williamson.

Dr. Celia Williamson (whose bio is in the Padua Ponderings) was one of the first persons who came to Padua Center in 2006, when the Center first opened, to help us decide what kind of programming to have at the Center. Dr. Williamson told us of the need for housing and education concerning trafficking of persons. From her input Padua Center developed a program entitled, “Emerging Young Ladies.” This program is taking a rest this year and another program for younger girls entitled, “Becoming Young Ladies” will begin this Fall with girls from the Nia Tutoring Program. Dr. Williamson will be the keynote speaker for our “Peaces” of Art Event.

Pat and Elaine Sheehan will be honored this year as Padua Promoters. They instituted a giving back program for employees of their company, DMC. When an employee donates 1% of their earnings to a charity DMC will give $4,000 to that charity! They also have an incentive for being paid to volunteer in the community. With DMC Gives Back the employees are encouraged to give to charities their time and money. We are honored to highlight this wonderful example of business leaders encouraging charitable giving.

This year will we return to the Sullivan Center on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Hope to see you there for the auction and the dining stations provided by Carolyn’s Catering. We will have live and silent auctions of handmade crafts, children’s artwork and donated products. Every year we have beautiful baskets and wonderful contributions that make our silent auction so profitable. Please look at page two of the Padua Ponderings for pictures of some of the auction items. Padua Staff is also offering a “Christmas Dinner at Padua Center” as one of the auction items. Of course, the highlight of the auction is the children’s artwork! You will be delighted.

In the past you have helped Padua Center by donating items for the silent auction. The creative baskets have included sports theme memorabilia, kitchen gadgets, crafts, home décor, and more. Thank you so very much for your past support.

Padua Center is asking you to partner with us again so that we can expand our programs, encourage our children, and prepare them for what lies ahead this year and into their future.

If you have items you would like to donate for the silent auction, make a contribution, or purchase tickets, please contact Padua Center. The office number is (419) 241-6465 or you can email: thepaduacenter@gmail.com. In order to be entered into our auction book we need the basket or description by September 19, 2025.

Please mark your calendar for October 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM for the “Peaces” of Art celebration at the Sullivan Center, 2049 Parkside Blvd, Toledo.

Peace and All Good,

Sister Virginia Welsh, osf.