Upon first hearing about my plans for P.A.T.H.’s Holiday Fundraising Event (which took place on November 16th) and desire to funnel a percentage of the proceeds to help the victims from the recent tragic Sonoma, Napa and Yuba Counties massive fires that decimated thousands of properties and where precious lives were lost…. Mr. Andrew Valencia (an inmate at Avenal, CA State Prison) spearheaded and galvanized no less than 18 other men also incarcerated there to donate their exquisitely handcrafted beaded jewelry and art. I was blown away by the generosity of heart (and talent) by these artistic men.
Numerous drawings and a total of 42 pieces of jewelry: individual necklaces, bracelets, earrings (including complete sets), wristbands and dream catchers, etc. came pouring in the mail. Aside from their donations, the men also shared their personal “Bios”. While I don’t have room to share all their “Bios”, please take the time to read comments by both Mr. Valencia and Mr. Rey Aguilar in the pictorial slide show attached. While personal background stories differ, reasons to want to give back are mutually expressed.
P.A.T.H. wishes to thank the following men for their humanitarian service and artistic talent:
Reynaldo Aguilar; Anthony Alejos; Daniel Ascencio; Emilio Brotherton; Steve Cruz; ; Nicholas Garcia; Robert Guzman; Omar Jacuinde; AndresMaciel; Johnny Mason; Galvan Monte; Danny Niaca; Marcos Ramirez; Steven Reed; Carlos Rivas; Edgardo M. Ruiz; Art Sanchez; Ronald Sanchez; Andrew Valencia
Blessings,
Leslie Lakes, Director